How Mohan Bhagwat attacked PM Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda again

In the politically charged atmosphere of India, the relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its ideological offspring, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is often scrutinised. On August 28, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the media and delivered a speech at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan, marking the conclusion of a three-day lecture series for the organisation's centenary year.

While Bhagwat's words were ostensibly aimed at clarifying the RSS's role and its affiliations, political analysts have interpreted them as containing subtle, cryptic criticisms directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda. This isn't the first time such interpretations have surfaced; Bhagwat's post-2024 election comments on political arrogance were similarly viewed as indirect rebukes of the BJP leadership. 

The speech comes at a time when the BJP is navigating internal dynamics, including leadership transitions and electoral strategies. Bhagwat stressed the RSS's advisory role without direct interference, but his phrasing in key remarks has fueled speculation about underlying frictions. Below, we delve into three specific points from his address, exploring how they could be seen as veiled attacks on Modi and Nadda, while maintaining the organisation's narrative of unity.

Bhupendra Chaubey and Surajit Dasgupta deciphered the crypt in brief in the video above. An elaborate explanation follows:

1. 'If RSS were the decision makers, it wouldn't take so long'

Highlighting the BJP's decision-making delays, one of the most discussed lines from Bhagwat's interaction was his response to queries about the RSS's influence on BJP decisions, such as the appointment of the party president. He stated, "If we were to make the decisions, it wouldn't take so long," while denying that the RSS dictates terms to its affiliates.

On the surface, this underscores the independence of organisations within the Sangh Parivar, like the BJP, which handle their affairs based on domain expertise. However, in the context of recent BJP developments, this remark takes on a sharper edge. JP Nadda's tenure as BJP chief has been extended multiple times, amid reports of sluggish organisational restructuring following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The party faced criticism for delays in key appointments and policy implementations, which some attribute to centralised decision-making under PM Modi. Bhagwat's comment subtly contrasts this with the RSS's purported efficiency, implying that without the parent organisation's direct involvement, the BJP's processes are inefficient or procrastinated.

This isn't isolated; it echoes broader concerns within Sangh Parivar circles about the BJP's governance style drifting from grassroots ideology. Political observers note that such statements serve as gentle reminders to Modi and Nadda to align more closely with RSS principles, especially as the party prepares for upcoming state elections. The implication? Leadership under Modi might be prioritising political expediency over swift, ideology-driven actions, potentially eroding the synergy between the two entities.

2. 'We may have differences of opinion, but we haven't fallen apart'

Acknowledging tensions without resolution, Bhagwat also addressed potential rifts by saying, "We may have differences of opinion, but we haven't fallen apart." He distinguished between "matbhed" (differences in views) and "manbhed" (irreconcilable differences), reassuring that both the RSS and BJP share a common vision for India's development.

The RSS, its chief clarified, provides suggestions but respects the autonomy of its affiliates. Yet, this admission of differences, presented as a sign of healthy discourse, can be interpreted as a cryptic acknowledgement of ongoing strains.

It follows JP Nadda's earlier controversial statement that the BJP no longer requires RSS guidance, which drew ire from Sangh loyalists. Additionally, Bhagwat's June 2024 critique of overconfidence in politics was widely seen as targeting Modi's campaign style, which relied on personal charisma rather than the collective strength of the Sangh.

In this light, the remark serves as a veiled warning to Modi and Nadda: While unity persists, unresolved differences—possibly over issues like economic policies, social reforms, or electoral alliances—could widen if not addressed.

It subtly urges the BJP leadership to heed RSS inputs more earnestly, reinforcing the parent organisation's moral authority without outright confrontation. This balancing act highlights the delicate power dynamics, where the RSS positions itself as the ideological guardian, subtly critiquing deviations.

3. 'My '75 years is the age of retirement' remark was directed at Moropant ji'

With a prod at leadership longevity, clarifying speculation around retirement norms, Bhagwat explained that his reference to 75 as the age of retirement was quoting senior RSS activist Moropant Pingale (also known as Moropant), not a personal or directive statement.

The sarsanghchalak stressed that RSS volunteers serve as long as required, irrespective of age. The timing of this clarification is noteworthy. PM Modi turns 75 on September 17, and Bhagwat himself approaches the milestone soon.

The BJP has an informal precedent of sidelining leaders at 75, as seen with veterans like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. No small-time leader but Home Minister and former BJP chief Amit Shah had told journalists during the distribution of tickets for the 2019 Lok Sabha election that Advani and Joshi were denied nominations because "we have given tickets to no one above the age of 75 years". Subsequently, however, Shah rubbished the 75-year 'cut-off age' as media gossip!

Nevertheless, Modi's continued leadership has sparked debates about exceptions to this rule. While Bhagwat denied targeting anyone specific, the need to address this amid buzz about Modi's future can be viewed as a subtle jab. It reminds Modi and Nadda of the norm's inconsistency, possibly pressuring for generational transitions within the BJP.

Critics argue this indirectly questions Modi's dominance, suggesting the RSS favours fresh leadership to rejuvenate the party.

In RSS-BJP relations, such remarks underscore the organisation's influence on succession planning, even if not enforced directly.

Implications for BJP-RSS ties and Indian politics

Bhagwat's speech, while reaffirming unity, subtly signals the RSS's discomfort with certain BJP practices under Modi and Nadda. These cryptic messages maintain plausible deniability, allowing the RSS to influence without appearing domineering. As India approaches key political milestones, including assembly elections, the BJP may need to recalibrate to bridge these gaps.

This episode reflects the enduring symbiosis yet inherent tensions in the Sangh Parivar ecosystem. For Modi, navigating these critiques will be crucial to sustaining the coalition's ideological core. Ultimately, Bhagwat's words remind us that in Indian politics, even clarifications can carry profound subtext, shaping narratives beyond the headlines.