RSS unhappy with fringe elements in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that worked in tandem with the BJP during the UP polls is reportedly unhappy at the manner in which “a handful of elements and incidents” threaten to divert attention from the “excellent start” made by the monthold Yogi Adityanath government.

The thrashing of policemen in some parts of the state by some fringe elements, as well as the ruckus created at SSP Saharanpur’s residence by a mob in the presence of BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal, has apparently not gone down well with the RSS that is worried that such incidents may ‘undo’ the ‘otherwise excellent beginning’, sources said.

It is learnt that the coordination meeting with the RSS and BJP top leaders, a routine for all BJP govermments and the first in the Yogi government, was held at chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s 5 Kalidas Marg residence.

Two senior RSS joint general secretaries Dattatreya Hosabale and Krishna Gopal, along with another all India office bearer Anil Oak besides UP-based Sangh leaders, are believed to have met chief minister Yogi Adityanath and deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma at the CM’s residence between 3pm and 5pm. This time slot was reportedly reserved by the chief minister for the meeting. The BJP, under its national party president Amit Shah has ensured close coordination with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), a trend that the Yogi Adityanath government will continue.

During the closed door meetings the BJP and Sangh leaders discussed various other things, including possible changes in BJP organisations. Several leaders, including Keshav Prasad Maurya, the UP BJP chief is expected to demit the party post under the one man, one post principle. A possible expansion of the Yogi government and the forthcoming local bodies’ polls too may have come up for discussion, sources said.