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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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
