The recent Indian election outcome has sparked discussions about the trajectory of Hindutva ideology and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral tactics. Many interpret the results as a setback for the BJP, attributing it to overconfidence and strategic errors rather than a rejection of Hindutva.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological backbone of the Hindutva movement, has been critical of the BJP’s campaign approach. Indresh Kumar of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, affiliated with RSS, criticized the BJP’s arrogance despite its reverence for Hindu symbols like Ram. RSS stalwarts like Ratan Sharda have faulted BJP leadership for not prioritizing Hindu causes and insufficiently defending Hindutva values.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized inclusive politics, urging BJP to acknowledge opposition viewpoints rather than treating them as adversaries. He highlighted internal dissent within the Sangh Parivar, including affiliates like Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), feeling sidelined on policy matters by the Modi government.
The RSS historically occupies a unique space as an ideological compass, often critiquing BJP governments from within. During Atal Behari Vajpayee’s tenure, RSS affiliates like BMS and BKS were vocal critics, underscoring a tradition of internal opposition shaping policy discourse.
In recent years, the Modi administration’s emphasis on industry and business priorities has led to complaints from Sangh affiliates like Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) about exclusion from policy debates. However, engagements have increased, with RSS bodies involved in drafting labor codes and e-commerce policies.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), RSS’s student wing, has also voiced concerns over the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) handling of entrance exams, signaling a broader discontent despite BJP’s parliamentary dominance.
As BJP navigates post-election introspection, RSS continues to gather grassroots feedback for strategic planning, underscoring its enduring influence beyond electoral cycles.
