Bhagwat's Politically Correct Posturing

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, on Thursday provided ample reason to believe that while he headed a "Cultural Organisation" described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "largest NGO in the world", he was as politically astute as anyone can be.

- PANKAJ VOHRA

In his interaction with the media during the centenary celebrations of the Sangh, Bhagwat clearly demonstrated that he was absolutely well versed with what was happening around us, and had his definitive views on multiple matters. He distanced himself from the BJP while admitting that he and his outfit shared the ideological DNA with its leadership.

Bhagwat's answers to complex queries regarding the delicate relationship between the RSS and the BJP were "politically correct" and gave an insight into the clarity with which the Sangh viewed matters. He answered many questions, at the end of which, more questions were raised in the minds of those who have been following the RSS.

There were several takeaways from his briefing, the most important being that he appeared to concur with the BJP president J.P. Nadda's remarks last year that, the BJP should be self-reliant and break its umbilical cord with the RSS. Replying to a question, he underlined the delay in announcing the next party chief was not because of the RSS, which is not indecisive on key matters for a prolonged time.