Post electoral setbacks for BJP in Uttar Pradesh, internal unrest was rife within the state unit. Clearly, both Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak appeared to be challenging CM Yogi. Despite the odds, like a master strategist, CM Yogi emerged stronger than many would have imagined. During the recent two-day All-India Executive Board meeting by RSS in Mathura, the spotlight was on Uttar Pradesh's CM Yogi Adityanath. He engaged in closed-door discussions with top RSS leaders presenting proposals that could have far-reaching impacts on India and the Hindu society. As per The Indian Express, RSS even dubbed him as the 'future'.
1-Plan to Include Backward and Other Hindu Communities in Kumbh
In any state where RSS meets, the participation of a BJP CM isn't novel. However, the extensive dialogue Yogi Adityanath engaged in with RSS leaders in Mathura was unparalleled. Notably, he brought forward significant issues. According to a report by The Indian Express, Yogi sought RSS's help to ensure the inclusion of Karnataka's prominent OBC community, the Lingayats, along with certain tribal communities that have been historically absent from Kumbh festivities. Yogi stressed the importance of reaching out to these communities, as they have either been overlooked or never invited. It's remarkable that the upcoming grand Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj next year will see a large Hindu gathering.
During a 45-minute closed-door meeting with top RSS leaders, Adityanath elaborated on this matter. A senior RSS official, aligning with Yogi’s perspective, mentioned the organization's ongoing efforts to integrate communities like Karnataka's Lingayats, Maharashtra's Kharvis, and some sects in Kerala. The Swaminarayan community, previously distant from Kumbh, was invited to the last gathering and they participated.
2-The Chemistry between Yogi and RSS
Yogi Adityanath ranks among BJP's most popular leaders. Evidenced by his nationwide demand as a speaker, his speeches and working style have garnered a national following. This endorsement from RSS solidifies his approach. His active drive to include Lingayat and tribal communities in Kumbh, with RSS backing, is unexpectedly strategic. This move potentially signifies Yogi's outreach beyond his state – a step towards a pan-India leadership role.
The 45-minute closed-room meeting in Mathura between Adityanath and RSS leaders further underscores Yogi's growing rapport with RSS. His suggestions to leverage the Kumbh stage to promote five pledges as part of RSS's centenary celebrations, addressing issues from social harmony to environmental protection, exemplifies this strengthened bond.
3-What Does Being Called the 'Future' by RSS Mean?
The Indian Express writes that a senior RSS leader labeled Yogi as the future, affirming his association with the Ram Temple movement despite not being a direct RSS affiliate. Yogi embodies Hindutva’s symbolism universally, representing the ideological future. RSS views him as embodying a complementary charismatic political leadership to the organization’s strength.
Yogi's influential slogan ‘Divide, We Fall’ recognized by RSS in Mathura meeting further cements the reason behind RSS lauding him as the future. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's endorsement of Yogi's mantra consolidates their alliance.
4-Yogi's Distant Past with RSS
In Adityanath's political odyssey, RSS's institutional framework played no substantial role. Aside from his brief affiliation with ABVP during college days, he has been aligned with the ideological heritage of Hindu Mahasabha. Traditionally divergent, RSS and Hindu Mahasabha both share roots in Hindutva ideology.
Yogi's assertiveness on Hindutva issues and his stern law enforcement image, notably the Encounter Policy and bulldozer strategies, have endeared him to the RSS. Previously, a lingering mysterious doubt persisted between both entities. Reports on whether RSS leaders met Yogi in a past meeting in Gorakhpur highlighted this. Despite talks, both parties denied any meeting took place between Mohan Bhagwat and CM Yogi Adityanath during that event.
An example can elucidate this. Roughly two years prior, RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabole's short visit to Lucknow didn’t prompt any initiative from Yogi for a meeting. Yogi adhered to his schedule by visiting Mirzapur and subsequently Gorakhpur, engaging in prior commitments. Despite Dattatreya Hosabole extending his stay in anticipation, Yogi's apparent silence led to him departing. However, the scenario has shifted now.
