BJP President pick may bring PM Modi to RSS headquarters: Telegraph report
New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has indicated its preference for a “strong leader” rather than a “rubber stamp” as the next Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, leading to tensions within the party, The Telegraph reported. This could prompt Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the RSS headquarters in Nagpur for the first time since assuming office 11 years ago, according to a report by Telegraph journalist J.P. Yadav.
The BJP has delayed the election of a new party chief as the RSS has yet to approve any of the proposed names. The term of current BJP president J.P. Nadda, considered by some as a “rubber stamp,” expired in January 2024 and has been extended. The Telegraph reported that Modi is scheduled to visit Nagpur on March 30 for an official engagement, during which he is likely to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to discuss the matter.
“The Sangh appears adamant about having a BJP president who fits its criteria. From my interactions with key Sangh leaders, they want a strong and reliable leader, not a yes-man,” a senior BJP leader told The Telegraph.
Modi’s visit to Nagpur coincides with the RSS centenary celebrations. He will lay the foundation stone for a private eye hospital, an event that Bhagwat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari are also expected to attend. Following this, Modi may visit the RSS headquarters to pay respects to its founder, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
RSS chief publicist Sunil Ambekar declined to comment on Modi’s possible visit but said he was “welcome.”
Relations between the BJP and RSS have been strained since the general election, where Modi’s slogan, “Abki baar chaar sau paar” (This time, over 400 seats), was seen as overconfident. The BJP fell short of a majority, and Bhagwat later criticised the “arrogance” and “bitter” campaign that, according to him, harmed social harmony. RSS cadres had also largely stayed away from election activities.
Since then, efforts have been made to mend ties. The BJP leadership held several meetings with the RSS ahead of elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, where coordinated efforts contributed to victories.
Recently, Modi has been vocal in his praise for the RSS. In a podcast with Lex Fridman on Sunday, he credited the organisation for shaping his life and instilling in him the “nation first” ideology. “More than anything, the RSS provides you with a clear direction towards what can truly be called a purpose in life,” he said.
According to RSS insiders, Modi’s remarks could be an attempt to secure support for a BJP president of his choice. Nadda had previously irked the RSS by downplaying its role in an interview during the general election, suggesting that the BJP had evolved to manage its own affairs.
(Source: The Telegraph, report by J.P. Yadav)
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MYAS launches quiz on national flag, 25 top-scorers to get trip to Siachen with Mandaviya
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.
