Politics
How RSS Boosted BJP’s Maharastra Victory With ‘Believe In Booth’, ‘Vote Beyond Caste’, Hindutva Pitch
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RSS’s ‘Sajag Raho’ campaign, that the organisation turned into a very personalised door to door outreach programme, worked wonders in mobilising the Hindu voters beyond the caste lines.
In Maharashtra, from where the RSS originated and has its headquarter, the cadres have yet again proven why they remain a political and cultural juggernaut. (Image: PTI/File)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has emerged as mightier than ever before in terms of flexing its organisational muscle, with recent successes in Haryana and Maharashtra reflecting its growing influence and grassroots reach. By leveraging its unparalleled ground-level network, the Sangh has not only touched the raw nerve of the electorate on factors related to Hindutva pitch, but also transformed the simmering local issues into decisive electoral narratives.
Its ‘Sajag Raho’ campaign, that the organisation turned into a very personalised door to door outreach programme, worked wonders in mobilising the Hindu voters beyond the caste lines, claimed the senior RSS functionaries.
Even though the feuds among the fractured political parties in the Opposition and ruling coalitions, and BJP’s outreach programmes including specific policy initiatives targeting the women voters like – Ladli Behena – schemes played a significant role, among other factors, RSS’s booth level work turned the tide.
A senior RSS functionary, who was involved in strategising the political-electoral ground work in the state, said that the booth to booth ‘sampark’ has scripted the success story as the RSS raised the issues of ‘visible Islamic aggression’, ‘loss of livelihood’ caused by unchecked illegal migration and ‘inspiring Hindus to be united beyond caste lines’ helped in mobilising Hindus.
Sajag Raho: The magic of grassroot mobilisation
In fact, in Maharashtra, from where the RSS originated and has its headquarter, the cadres have yet again proven why they remain a political and cultural juggernaut, seamlessly weaving Hindutva narratives with hyper-localised strategies to turn the tide in favour of its ideological political front, the BJP. From the industrial hubs of Mumbai to the agrarian belts of Vidarbha, the ground level mobilisation by the RSS cadres has played a pivotal role in consolidating Hindu votes, cutting across the recently entrenched caste lines to create a new electoral calculus.
“Sangh’s network quietly worked at the booth level, along with our Sajag Raho mantra to ensure the door-to-door outreach. We could successfully unite fragmented communities, particularly in regions like Vidarbha, Konkan, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra, where caste loyalties often dictate voting patterns,” said a senior functionary of the RSS national executive committee.
“By focusing on Hindutva issues and addressing concerns around Muslim aggression visible on the streets, the Sangh tapped into a growing repulsion within the middle class. This silent consolidation translated into a critical 4-5 per cent vote swing, expanding the BJP’s base beyond its traditional support base and strongholds,” he added.
RSS ground game: BJP’s winning edge
An analysis of the results of Haryana elections also shows how the RSS’s penetration into rural and urban pockets successfully bridged the gap between governance and grassroots concerns, some warring castes and helped the BJP shape its political outcomes. The organisation’s ability to tap into regional discontent, starting from unemployment, caste dynamics, or cultural identity, has allowed it to influence voter-sentiment towards the BJP’s advantage. Its regimented and cadre-driven approach ensures that issues aren’t just raised but are addressed.
Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Sangh has demonstrated its ability to recalibrate strategies in a politically complex state. Despite splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP along with the BJP’s coalition challenges, the Sangh’s groundwork has been instrumental in mobilising voters. It has fostered narratives that appeal to Marathi pride, agrarian distress, assisting women voters with financial schemes and the youth’s aspirations.
Tapping the urban anxiety
In urban areas including the industrialised regions like Mumbai, the Sangh capitalised on middle-class anxieties around infrastructure, unemployment issues, economic stagnation, and law and order.
“The anti-industry and anti-business stand taken by the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena have really repulsed the urban voters. On the contrary, initiatives like the Mumbai Peripheral Road project and other developments, while targeted policies such as Ladli Behena spoke directly to specific demographics, including women and the urban poor,” said Praful Ketkar, editor, Organiser, an RSS linked publication.
Ketkar, who spent days in the state studying and analysing the RSS impact on the ground before and during elections, further added, “The anti-industrial stance of the Congress-NCP-SHSUBT era has somehow juxtaposed with a BJP-led push for economic growth and stability, resonating particularly in a state deeply tied to the stock market and industrial capitalism.”
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Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane said Hindu community just has one country – India. Nepal is also a Hindu majority country, but number of community members is very less in Himalayan nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Image)
Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane on Tuesday claimed India will save Hindus in Bangladesh, where they are facing attacks, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can defeat the neighbouring nation in “48 hours”.
Speaking at a rally organised in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra to protest against atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Rane said India is being surrounded by all sides everyday.
He said the Hindu community just has one country – India. Nepal is also a Hindu majority country, but the number of community members is very less in the Himalayan nation.
“Muslims have many countries. If you (Muslims) do not like our country then leave,” the ruling coalition MLA maintained.
Hindu women are being kidnapped and stones are being pelted on Ganpati, Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti rallies/processions in Maharashtra, alleged the MLA whose party is aligned with the BJP.
“We will save Hindus in Bangladesh. There is (PM) Narendra Modi for that. But it is our responsibility to save our country. Do not let your guard down. Modi ji will not take more than two days to defeat Bangladesh. We will defeat Bangladesh in 48 hours,” the Shiv Sena legislator told the gathering in his home district.
Nilesh Rane is son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane and elder brother of BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, who has been accused of make provocative speeches.
Nilesh Rane, a former BJP member, joined the Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde ahead of the last month’s assembly polls and won from Kudal in Sindhudurg district.
Meanwhile, in Thane district, the Sakal Hindu Samaj, on the occasion of World Human Rights Day, organized an event to highlight atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and express solidarity with them.
A delegation representing the organization met with Thane district collector Ashok Shingare and Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dhumbre, and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns and demands.
The memorandum brought attention to the “inhumane treatment and violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh,” and urged the Indian government to take “swift and decisive action” to address the crisis.
To amplify their message, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organized a “silent march” in Thane on Sunday, as part of the “Bangladesh Hindu Nyaya Yatra” (Bangladesh Hindu Justice March).
The campaign also extended to Vasai in Palghar district, where hundreds of citizens took part in the yatra. The march was led by BJP leader Mahendra Patil.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
- Location :
Sindhudurg, India
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The decision to approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission was announced by Prashant Jagtap, leader of the NCP-Sharad Pawar who lost the assembly elections from the Hadapsar seat in Pune
During the meeting, Kejriwal flagged concerns related to voter lists in Delhi where assembly elections are due early next year.
(File Photo)
The opposition INDIA bloc in Maharashtra is set to move the Supreme Court over alleged manipulation of EVMs in the recent assembly elections.
The decision to approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission was announced by Prashant Jagtap, leader of the NCP-Sharad Pawar who lost the assembly elections from the Hadapsar seat in Pune.
The decision was announced after a meeting between NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and noted lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi here.
Pawar has been meeting leaders of his party who lost the assembly elections.
The INDIA bloc has claimed that it lost the elections in Maharashtra due to alleged manipulation of EVMs in favour of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.
In the elections held last month, the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won 235 seats in the 288-member House while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance bagged 46.
During the meeting, Kejriwal flagged concerns related to voter lists in Delhi where assembly elections are due early next year.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
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Opposition’s motion of removal against Jagdeep Dhankhar: The notice, as per article 67(B) of the Constitution, will have to be put to vote first in the Rajya Sabha and, if needed, later in the Lok Sabha
Jagdeep Dhankhar has become the first Vice-President in the history of Independent India to face such a motion for removal. (PTI File)
A total of 60 MPs from opposition parties have submitted a notice to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General, demanding a motion for removal of Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar
The MPs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other INDIA bloc allies have alleged that Dhankhar’s conduct is biased and therefore unbecoming of his position as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Article 67(b) of the Constitution of India states that the Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the council of states. The resolution must be passed by a majority of the council of states and agreed to by the House of the People. Before a resolution can be moved, at least 14 days’ notice must be given of the intention to move the resolution.
For the first time in the 72-year history of the Rajya Sabha, Opposition Parties have formally submitted a no-confidence motion against the Chairman.There have been three occasions, however, when a no-confidence motion has been moved against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/DHjo5vqL2K
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 10, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
The notice, as per article 67(B) of the Constitution, will have to be put to vote first in the Rajya Sabha and, if needed, later in the Lok Sabha.
Constitutional expert P D T Achari told News18 that the Rajya Sabha rule book makes no mention of any provision for removal of the chairperson. However, article 67 of the Constitution provides for the procedure for impeachment of the Vice-President of India. “The motion moved by the opposition will have to be put to vote in the Rajya Sabha. If a majority votes in favour, then it will be sent to the Lok Sabha. The Vice-President can be removed only if a majority of members in both the houses vote to impeach him,” Achary said.
#WATCH | On Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, ” In the last 72 years, it is the first time that Opposition parties have submitted a motion over Rajya Sabha Chairman. This shows how the situation has… pic.twitter.com/ySiO4r8D7u— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024
GOVERNMENT’S STAND
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the move by the INDIA bloc, but said the government did not have a problem in accepting the notice and getting it voted upon. Rijiju, however, pointed out that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoys a majority in Parliament and all NDA MPs have full faith in the chairperson. “This notice is a diversionary tactic because the Congress is scared and disturbed over the Soros revelation. Dhankhar is a Jat, son of a farmer. We condemn this move to target him,” Rijiju said.
14 DAYS REQUIREMENT
As per article 67, a 14-day notice must be given before any resolution to remove the Vice-President is voted upon. Achari clarified that although this is an unprecedented situation, a bare reading of the Constitution suggests that the resolution moved by the opposition can be taken up in the next session of Parliament as less than 10 working days remain in the winter session. “A special session of the two houses can be called or the notice can be voted upon in the next session,” he told News18.
UNPRECEDENTED MOVE
Dhankhar has become the first Vice-President in the history of Independent India to face such a motion for removal. The numbers in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha favour the ruling side, but the opposition insists on “putting on record the bias of the Chair”.
“As Chairperson, the manner in which Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar conducts parliamentary affairs of the Rajya Sabha is extremely partisan. It is a matter of record that Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has repeatedly interrupted members of the Opposition while they are speaking, unfairly used privilege motions to silence leaders of the opposition, and openly delegitimized dissent with respect to the actions of the Government in the utmost disparaging manner,” the notice alleges.
It adds that his open praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and calling himself an “Ekalavya of the RSS” is proof of his bias. Rijiju dismissed the charge and said there was nothing wrong with praising an organisation like the RSS.
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