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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Accused in Bihar’s ₹25 cr. Tanishq heist killed in encounter, three STF personnel injured
Patna: An accused in the ₹25 crore heist at a Tanishq jewellery showroom in Bihar’s Arrah was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday. The joint operation, conducted by the STF, Patna Police, and local officials, resulted in injuries to three STF personnel.
According to reports, the accused was asked to surrender but continued firing at the security forces, leading to the encounter. He was taken to a hospital in Narpatganj, where doctors declared him brought dead. His identity has not yet been disclosed by the police.
The heist took place on March 10 when a group of armed men stormed the showroom, overpowering security personnel and holding staff and customers hostage at gunpoint. CCTV footage from the incident shows the assailants, some wearing masks, forcing people to raise their hands while looting gold, silver, and diamond jewellery. The criminals, who arrived in a car parked across the street, first attacked the security guard, snatched his weapon, and then proceeded to ransack the showroom before escaping.
While local reports estimate the value of the stolen jewellery at ₹25 crore, the police have yet to confirm the exact amount. Authorities continue their investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects.
बिहार के अररिया में एनकाउंटर, तनिष्क शोरूम लूट कांड का आरोपी ढेर, STF के 3 जवान भी जख्मी।पुलिस अधिकारी ने बताया कि एनकाउंटर में एसटीएफ के तीन जवान भी घायल हुए हैं. जिस अपराधी को गोली लगी थी, उसकी क्रिमिनल हिस्ट्री थी.#Bihar #BiharNews #Encounter @ArariaP @bihar_police pic.twitter.com/8E8vkFz38t
— FirstBiharJharkhand (@firstbiharnews) March 22, 2025
