Ahead of LS Results, PM Modi to Meet RSS Chief Bhagwat in Nagpur

This comes amid rumours that the Sangh Praivar could back another leader if BJP falls short of majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

(Photo: The Quint)

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha results on 23 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, reported The Wire.

According to the report, he is likely to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and discuss the various possible scenarios.

This comes amid rumours that the Sangh Parivar could back another leader if the BJP falls short of majority.

“There is a fair chance that the party will return to power. But there is still a palpable fear that Modi feels the RSS might try to sideline him. One can’t forget the reins are in the hands of the RSS. This, and there are several other governance issues that are likely to be discussed in the meeting,” a senior leader told The Wire.

This is also the first time that the prime minister will be visiting the Nagpur headquarters in the last four years.

‘No RSS Workers in BJP Campaign,’ Points Mayawati

During the Lok Sabha campaign, BSP chief Mayawati took a swipe at Modi saying that his government boat was sinking, and everyone, including the RSS, has deserted him.

“...The biggest example of this is that the RSS is also deserting them,” she said, claiming that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers are “missing from the BJP campaign,”.

RSS to Back Gadkari?

While reports suggest the RSS would propose senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari’s name for the top post if the BJP falls short of majority, the Nagpur strongman has constantly denied it.

“I have nothing to do with it. I am not in the race. Modi ji is the PM and will become prime minister again. Main RSS wala hun (I am an RSS man). Our mission is to work for the nation,” said Gadkari in January 2019, distancing himself from the speculation.