In a move aimed at reinvigorating its control over the Sangh Parivar, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has decided to set up a series of committees to ensure the “coordinated functioning” of its various arms, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
The decision, taken at the Kendriya Karyakari Mandal (central executive body) meeting of the RSS in Lucknow last week, is seen as part of the organisation’s attempt to synergise the activities of its various front organisations so as to increase the Sangh Parivar’s strength across the country.
The committees – from district to the national level – will consist of RSS office-bearers and whole-time members (swayamsevaks) to ensure that the activities of the various wings of the Sangh Parivar remain in conformity with the larger objectives of the Sangh.
Smoother functioning
“A large number of people are showing interest in joining the RSS,” said a senior RSS functionary. “The proposed committees, apart from ensuring better functioning of various front organisations, would also become means to keep new as well as old swayamsevaks involved in the day-to-day functioning of the Parivar.”
The committees will meet at least once a month to review the activities conducted by each of the front organisations in the area over the previous 30 days, and to lay down the organisational road map for them for the upcoming month.
Until now, senior RSS men have acted as representatives of the parent organisation in its offshoots, monitoring, directing and guiding their approach on all issues issue.
Besides such liaison men, the Sangh also supplies much of the ideological and strategic direction for all of its affiliate groups. It trains the cadres – and provides leaders. These cadres and leaders, who act as part of the affiliate groups, make it easy for the liaison person to ensure that the Sangh’s viewpoint is upheld without much of a problem.
New challenges
“The practice has worked well,” the RSS functionary said. “But the massive groundswell in favour of the Sangh and its various wings has thrown up new challenges of management and coordination before the RSS. The committees at different levels would enable us to meet these challenges.”
The committees will supplement the liaison person-based control mechanism now being exercised by the Sangh.
The decision is significant in view of the fact that it comes ahead of the RSS’ plan to launch a massive drive for its expansion – as well as that of its front organisations – between 2015 and 2025, the year that will mark the Sangh’s centenary.