In order to consolidate its footprints on a pan-India basis, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to set up more ‘shakhas in the southern states and, most importantly, in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ongoing meeting of the RSS in Jhansi has decided topenetrate into the territories where it does not have a strong presence.
Apparently preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections aswell as the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the RSS will increase its activities insouthern states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and even Kerala.
“We will be holding ‘shakhas’ in these states to enlistpopular support. We want to reach out to the non-Hindi speaking population andclear misconceptions, if any, about the RSS. We are determined to break thelanguage barrier and use our volunteers in these states to increase the numberof ‘shakhas’,” said a senior RSS functionary.
The Sangh wants to prepare the ground for the BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) in states where it has not yet been able to form governmentand establish its political presence.
Interestingly, Kashmir figures prominently on the RSS wishlist even though the Valley has minimal Hindu population.
“It is not about Hindus, it is about nationalism. Wewant to reach out to the local Kashmiri population and tell them that theybelong to us. Nationalism is bigger than any religion and we will use thisconcept to connect with the youth in particular,” the functionary said.
He said that the RSS was hopeful that it would succeed inbuilding bridges in Kashmir and “clear the cobwebs that have grown in thepast decades”.
In the five-day meeting in Jhansi, being held at the S.R.Engineering College amidst tight security, Sangh leaders have also decided tolay greater focus on nationalism and cultural unity than on religious issueswhich could prove to be contentious in the prevailing situation.The RSS has recently seen that the NarendraModi-led government made a successful comeback by putting nationalism abovereligion in the recently concluded general elections.