Five Reasons Why RSS-BJP Equation Was the Major Political Story of 2024

2024 saw several moments of divergence as well as reconciliation between the RSS and BJP.

Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat.

(Photo: Namita Chauhan/The Quint)

The year 2024 marked a transformative phase for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as it navigated complex socio-political currents that tested its ideological and strategic resilience. From the historic inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to a measured stance on the resurging Mandir-Masjid debate, the RSS balanced its cultural aspirations with calls for societal harmony.

The organization’s growing distance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became a defining narrative, influencing both entities' fortunes. While this divergence exposed cracks in the BJP's electoral machinery, as seen in the Lok Sabha elections, it also underscored the RSS's role as a stabilizing force. Yet, moments of reconciliation, such as in Maharashtra and Haryana’s assembly polls, demonstrated the potential for synergy when their strategies aligned.

As the RSS charted its course through polarized political campaigns and contentious religious debates, its firm call for unity and inclusivity stood out. The year highlighted the RSS's attempt to assert its ideological vision while adapting to evolving political realities, making 2024 a landmark chapter in its century-long journey.

Ram Temple Inauguration

The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, was a landmark event for the RSS and the broader Hindu nationalist movement under Sangh. This long-awaited moment symbolized the culmination of decades of effort and dedication by the organization. The temple's completion was celebrated with great fervor, reinforcing the RSS's commitment to its cultural and religious ideals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who performed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, emphasized the temple's significance in India's socio-political landscape.

The event was marked by grand celebrations, with thousands of devotees, celebrities, and political leaders gathering in Ayodhya. The streets were adorned with marigold decorations, and military helicopters showered the temple with flower petals. The festive atmosphere underscored the deep emotional and cultural resonance of the temple for millions of Hindus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on Monday, 22 January. 

(Photo: PTI)

However, this achievement also brought to the forefront the need for the RSS to balance its religious aspirations with broader social and political responsibilities. The inauguration was not without controversy, as some critics accused the BJP of using the event for political gain ahead of the 2024 general elections. Additionally, the RSS faced the challenge of ensuring that the temple's completion did not exacerbate communal tensions.

RSS Distanced Itself from BJP: Impact on 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a significant shift in the dynamics between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The RSS, traditionally seen as the ideological backbone of the BJP, distanced itself from the party during the election campaign. This strategic withdrawal had profound implications for the BJP's performance, resulting in a notable decline in its electoral success.

The primary reason for the RSS's distancing was the growing discontent within its ranks over the BJP's political strategies and governance. The RSS leadership was reportedly unhappy with the BJP's approach to candidate selection and election management, which excluded the Sangh's input.

This exclusion led to a lack of coordination and support from the RSS's grassroots network, which had been instrumental in mobilizing voters in previous elections.

The impact of this rift was evident in the election results. The BJP, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, failed to secure an outright majority, winning only 240 seats, down from 303 in 2019. The party had to rely on its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies to form a coalition government. The absence of the RSS's ground-level support was a critical factor in the BJP's inability to achieve its ambitious electoral targets.

The RSS's decision to distance itself from the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections significantly impacted the party's performance. The lack of coordination and support from the RSS's extensive grassroots network underscored the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two organizations for electoral success.

RSS Pushed Back Against BJP’s Polarizing Campaigns in 2024, Raised Manipur Issue

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) took an unusual yet assertive stance in 2024, openly criticizing the BJP’s increasingly divisive election strategies. The RSS, traditionally seen as a staunch ally of the ruling party, expressed discomfort with the communal rhetoric that marked the BJP’s campaigns, calling instead for a more inclusive and harmonious approach. This rare public disagreement underscored the ideological rift between the two organizations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign drew particular scrutiny for controversial statements that appeared to stoke communal fears. His claim that the Congress would redistribute wealth, including the “mangalsutras” of women, was met with widespread backlash for its fear-mongering tone. Modi also accused the Congress of favoring "infiltrators" and communities with larger families, a thinly veiled reference to Muslims, while making exaggerated claims such as the opposition’s intent to confiscate buffaloes, trivializing critical economic concerns.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat distanced himself from such rhetoric, urging political leaders to treat elections as democratic contests, not battles. In what seemed a veiled critique of the BJP, Bhagwat condemned statements that deepened societal divisions. “The opposition is not an enemy,” he remarked, calling for greater political decorum.

Bhagwat also highlighted the ongoing crisis in Manipur, where violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have displaced over 60,000 people. Pointing to the lack of urgent political intervention, he stated, “Manipur is still burning... It is a duty to deal with it on priority.”

Notably, Modi avoided visiting Manipur despite his extensive campaign travels. The BJP’s loss of both parliamentary seats in the state further reflected its diminishing grip amidst growing criticism of its polarizing approach.

Resolve With BJP: Example Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly Election

Despite the tensions, the RSS and BJP managed to resolve their differences in key state elections. In Maharashtra and Haryana, the RSS played a crucial role in supporting the BJP's campaigns, leading to significant victories. These successes demonstrated the potential for collaboration when both entities align their strategies and focus on common goals. The state election outcomes highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship between the RSS and BJP.

In Maharashtra, the RSS launched an extensive outreach program to shape public opinion in favor of the BJP-led alliance. Forming local teams, the RSS engaged in small group meetings to discuss topics like national interest, Hindutva, and development. This grassroots effort was instrumental in the BJP's landslide victory, securing 132 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly. The collaboration between the RSS and BJP ensured a well-coordinated campaign that resonated with voters across the state.

Fadnavis' Appointment Shows That BJP Can Ignore RSS Only at Its Own Peril

(Photo: PTI)

Similarly, in Haryana, the RSS's involvement was pivotal in the BJP's electoral success. The RSS organized over 1.25 lakh small group meetings across the state, addressing concerns and shaping public opinion. This extensive grassroots engagement helped the BJP secure its best-ever haul of 48 seats in the 90-member Haryana Assembly. The RSS's embedded nature within the community and its long-term relationships with local residents played a crucial role in swaying voter sentiment in favor of the BJP.

The successful collaboration between the RSS and BJP in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections underscored the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship. The RSS's grassroots efforts and strategic support were key factors in the BJP's victories, highlighting the potential for effective collaboration when both entities align their strategies and focus on common goals.

Stand Against the Fresh Mandir-Masjid Debate and Call for Unity

The Mandir-Masjid debate resurfaced in 2024, sparking renewed controversy and public discourse. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on the issue emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against using temple-mosque disputes for political gain. This stance underscored the RSS's commitment to promoting harmony and civilizational justice, even as it faced criticism from within its ranks. By advocating for a balanced and inclusive approach, the RSS sought to navigate the complexities of religious and political dynamics in India.

During a lecture in Pune titled "India - The Vishwaguru," Bhagwat expressed concerns about the resurgence of temple-mosque controversies. He suggested that some individuals, following the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, seemed intent on becoming "leaders of Hindus" by raising such issues. Bhagwat emphasized that raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. He advocated for an inclusive society, stating, "We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country.".

Bhagwat's remarks sparked a political controversy, with various leaders and spiritual figures responding. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati criticized Bhagwat, stating that he did not understand the plight of Hindus and accusing him of not feeling the pain of Hindus. Similarly, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya criticized Bhagwat, asserting that he had no right to speak on Hindu matters and calling for a revolutionary movement to protect Hindu rights.

(The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. This is an opinion piece and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)