RSS on Polls: BJP Failed to Bring Hindutva, Development Together?

An editorial in the RSS mouthpiece Organiser claims the agrarian challenge didn’t affect BJP’s poll performance.

The RSS observes that “the real challenge for the BJP is how to present development and Hindutva as complementary to each other under the leadership of Modi.”

(Photo: Arnica Kalra/The Quint)

Blaming “emotive and negative campaign” (without spelling out which of the two principal contenders for power – BJP or Congress – used such a campaign) as one of the reasons for the loss of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Assembly elections, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) observes that “the real challenge for the BJP is how to present the development and Hindutva as complementary to each other under the leadership of Modi.”

Is that an admission that the ruling BJP has failed to do so far?

An editorial in the RSS mouthpiece ‘Organiser’ admits that the agrarian distress is real but it did not play a role in the electoral outcome in the three Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Here are excerpts [all text in italics and in illustrative cards] from the editorial with our comments:

‘Agrarian Distress Not The Main Reason’

The assertion is not fully backed by facts. Analysis of numbers suggests that the BJP could win 43 percent of all rural seats in Madhya Pradesh, 34 percent in Rajasthan and mere 15 percent of such seats in Chhattisgarh.

About the other assertion on false narratives on the reservation issue, is the editorial referring to the BJP’s constant vacillation on SC/ST Act?

Congress Played The ‘Counter Version Of Hinduism’

“The losses of BJP in the stronghold of Shekhavati region of Rajasthan, Mahakaushal of Madhya Pradesh and Central Chhattisgarh give some indications. The anti-BJP votes got consolidated in favour of the Congress while the pro-BJP votes remained silent. Addressing the concerns of the core, both issues and constituencies, while expanding the voter-base, is the real takeaway for the ruling party at the Centre.”

Is the RSS suggesting a reset button for the BJP now that the Congress is seen to be shedding “its secular and pro-minority” image? Is there a serious deliberation within the Sangh Parivar on how to tackle liberal Hinduism of the kind Congress President Rahul Gandhi is trying to project?

‘Congress Party Has a Problem With State-Level Leadership’

“For the Congress, this is undoubtedly a much-needed reprieve after a series of debacles since 2014. Rahul Gandhi and his coterie will be indeed regarded as the architect of this victory. Ultimately, it is the State-level leadership that matters and Congress party has a serious problem with that due to the crumbling organisational structure.”

Perhaps a grudging admission that Rahul Gandhi has grown in stature. But what does the editorial try to hint at by saying “his regional and destructive outfits to generate anti-Modi atmosphere.” Is the reference to the potential allies of the Congress?

“The Chhattisgarh elections also proved that the third force does not necessarily benefit the BJP.”

The editorial has perhaps let out a secret that the so-called third or fourth forces are seen to be helping the BJP.

“Instead of deliberating on the ill effects of mindless globalisation and its impact on agriculture, and trade in Bharat and how to counter the same, the socialistic measures such as loan waivers and unemployment allowance get prominence.”

Is there any hint here of things to come on how to tackle the unfolding agrarian crisis?