THE MEN WHO RUN THE RSS
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the umbrella body of nearly 40 organisations, including the ruling BJP, on Sunday announced a new team to assist its general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi. Here are the key faces in the new team:
MOHAN BHAGWAT, Sarsanghchalak A trained veterinarian, he has been in the position since 2009. He is known to have an easy working relation with PM Modi. Known for his “rational decision making”, he is an accomplished singer and has composed songs for RSS.
SURESH BHAIYYAJI JOSHI, General secretary Joshi has been a popular figure, credited with efficient crisis management skills. His colleagues describe him as a man who “goes by the book and believes in sticking to the traditional”.
SAHKARYAVAHA OR JOINT GEN SECYS DATTATREYA HOSABALE A post-graduate in English, he became joint secretary in the RSS after being the organising secretary of the ABVP. A Kannadiga, Hosable is known for meticulous planning and execution of ideas. He steered the RSS-BJP outreach during the assembly elections in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
SURESH SONI A long-time RSS pracharak, he was given the charge of coordination between the Sangh and the BJP. Soni belongs to Chhattisgarh and is considered politically savvy. A masters in Political Science, he is interested in education and culture.
KRISHNA GOPAL A masters degree holder in environmental science and a doctorate holder, Krishna Gopal is from UP, but served nine years as the Kshetriya (regional) Pracharak in Assam and Mizoram. He is credited with expanding the Sangh’s footprint in the Northeast and is interested in education.
MUKUNDA CR A BSc in Physics, Mukunda was handpicked to be a part of Bhagwat’s team three years ago and jointly head the Sangh’s intellectual cell. Mukunda’s addition is the big change this year. At 50, he is the youngest of the lot.
V BHAGAIAH Coming from Medak in Telangana state, V Bhagaiah joined the Sangh during his student days. He works extensively for the social harmony projects of the Sangh.
MANMOHAN VAIDYA Earlier the all India spokesperson of the Sangh, he was the face of the organisation. A PhD in nuclear chemistry, Vaidya comes from a family long associated with the Sangh. Vaidya is known for astuteness and pragmatism.