RSS: Won’t be a ‘ remote control’

The RSS said Sunday while it may offer “suggestions if required” to the BJP, it was not acting as a “remote control” and would not interfere in the functioning of the party or government. The BJP also claimed the Sangh has no role in formation of the Narendra Modi government.

The RSS’ remarks come as the BJP top brass, including PM- designate Narendra Modi, are in hectic parleys with the RSS top brass. Speculation is rife in the BJP that its leaders are discussing key issues, including portfolios, with the RSS.

“The Sangh has not given any guidelines to the BJP after its historic victory in the Lok Sabha polls, nor to Modiji... The RSS never keeps any remote control to perform any role in politics and government,” RSS leader Ram Madhav said in Jaipur. Mr Modi met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other top RSS leaders recently. Other senior BJP leaders have also been meeting the RSS top brass.

“The people’s representatives who won the Lok Sabha polls are aware of the Sangh’s ideology and how to take forward its ideology. There is no way the RSS will interfere in the government’s functioning. However, if required, the Sangh may give suggestions,” Mr Madhav said.

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Former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu, who was coming out after meeting RSS general secretary and second in command in the Sangh, Bhaiyyaji Joshi, denied RSS having any role in government formation.

“The question does not arise. The Sangh never interferes in such matters... We are swayamsevaks. We come here to Sangh headquarters to meet our seniors. That is part of our life. There is nothing big about it,” he said.

RSS leader Ram Madhav said the RSS worked tirelessly to spread awareness about importance of voting and encouraged people to exercise their franchise, specially in favour of Mr Modi.

“Sangh’s work is accomplished, and Sangh will go back to its basic service of nation and society building, character and personality development,” he said. Mr Madhav said the Sangh does not take credit for bringing the Modi government, but for raising the poll percentage.

“The RSS will take credit only for raising the poll percentage over 10 per cent which was due to its public awareness programme. Now, the country has got an inspirational leadership with total majority to run an effective government. Its up to the public to regularly monitor Modi sarkar. RSS is going back to work for the society and people,” he said.

Mr Modi’s close aide Amit Shah had spent nearly two hours at Keshav Kunj on Saturday.