Feedback or damage control? Why is RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat holding a flurry of meetings in Uttar Pradesh?

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and CM Yogi met in Lucknow (File photo-PTI)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s 35-minute meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, followed by separate meetings with both Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, has sparked a political uproar in Uttar Pradesh. Questions are being raised: is this a mere courtesy call, an organizational review, or a damage control exercise ahead of 2027?

The political temperature in Lucknow is currently high. The reason isn’t opposition attacks or government decisions, but rather the rapid political meetings of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. Following a 35-minute conversation with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath last night, his 15-minute meetings with Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak early this morning have sparked speculation.

The official agenda of these meetings has not been made public, but in political circles, they are being considered more important than mere formality. Especially since the 2027 state assembly elections are considered crucial for both power and the organization. Political analysts believe that the RSS chief has sought individual feedback from the three top leaders. Uttar Pradesh is not just a state, but a pivot of national politics. The BJP did not achieve its expected performance in Uttar Pradesh in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Consequently, both the RSS and the BJP are determined to let 2027 slip away.

Recent controversies, such as the changed UGC rules, the issue involving Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, and questions raised about the demolition of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, have also fueled discussions about the government’s image. The opposition, especially the Samajwadi Party, is busy cornering the government on these issues. It’s natural for the RSS to want to understand the reaction among grassroots workers and traditional supporters. Is there resentment? Is there confusion? And how can it be addressed?

Theory of Damage Control

The RSS chief’s meetings are also being seen as a damage control exercise, especially in light of the questions raised regarding the Brahmin community. In recent times, the opposition has been repeatedly alleging that the Yogi government is anti-Brahmin. Interestingly, before meeting the RSS chief, Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak honored 101 students. This was seen as a symbolic message. Earlier, Keshav Prasad Maurya had also clarified his position on this issue.

RSS’s role: Remote control or guidance?

Amidst these questions, a statement by the RSS chief is also in the news. In response to a question, he said that he does not control the BJP by remote control, but that all parties pursuing the agenda of Hindu society are equal to him. This statement may seem formal, but political implications are being drawn from it. The RSS has always described itself as a cultural organization, but its role in electoral strategies and grassroots networks cannot be denied. After 2024, the RSS’s activism increased in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar, and the BJP benefited from organizational strength. Consequently, it is believed that the RSS is also planning its role for 2027 in Uttar Pradesh.

A Test of Coordination

Political observers believe that before any major election, a review of the coordination between the organization and the government is essential. The BJP’s organizational structure in Uttar Pradesh is vast, but after the Lok Sabha elections, introspection was felt at many levels. Discussions about a possible cabinet expansion and a new team led by the state president are also rife. The RSS chief’s meetings are also being seen in this context. Are changes in the organization being prepared? Will new faces be included in the government? However, there is no official confirmation on these questions.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is constantly trying to balance the Brahmin, backward, and Dalit equations. He has taken the government to task on issues like the Shankaracharya controversy and the demolition of the Ghats. The BJP’s strategy appears to be to avoid letting these issues fall completely into the hands of the opposition.