Krishna Gopal replaces Suresh Soni as RSS Pointsman

KrishnaNEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary Krishna Gopal is the new liaison person between the Sangh and the BJP, replacing Suresh Soni, who had held the responsibility for over 10 years.

Gopal, who is  Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh joint general secretary, will now act as a coordinator between the BJP and its ideological mentor the RSS, a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader told Express.

Gopal, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, had earlier coordinated between the Sangh and the BJP in the state during the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP chief Amit Shah was the then in-charge of the state, where the BJP won an unprecedented 71 out of the total 80 seats.

Having held the post for over a decade, Soni had wielded considerable influence within the BJP. Some of the senior leaders resented his style of functioning and wanted him replaced. Last year, the RSS had officially denied the rumours of Soni’s imminent exit.

After Modi won the elections and Shah became the party chief, heralding a generational shift within the saffron party, there were again efforts to renew the ties with the Sangh.

With Gopal talking over the new assignment, more changes may occur within the BJP across the country. Shah is yet to announce the new state BJP presidents. State units, like the national unit, has a general secretary (organisation), who belongs to the RSS, so some reshuffle may be done among the state general secretary (organisation) too.

Meanwhile, the RSS has begun its  annual 10-day camp in Lucknow. Sources said the meeting would discuss national issues and strategy to increase the Sangh network across the country. Though not on the official agenda, such meetings may aim at increasing the coordination with the BJP.

“If need be we would also pass a resolution on the current situation,” an RSS functionary said.

The camp would also include three-day meeting, which will include top brass of the RSS, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat. Shah may also attend the meeting for a day.

Source: The New Indian Express