In response to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda’s comments about the party becoming self-sufficient and independent of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), senior RSS functionary Sunil Ambekar termed the issue a “family matter.” Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Ambekar, the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, stressed that such internal matters should not be discussed publicly.
When asked if Nadda’s remarks suggested a rift between the BJP and the RSS, Ambekar dismissed the notion, stating, “We solve family matters like family matters. We don’t discuss such issues on public platforms.” He further clarified that both the RSS and the BJP continue to work in their respective domains, with the RSS functioning as an ideological front while the BJP manages its own affairs.
JP Nadda had earlier remarked that the BJP has grown significantly over the years and no longer relies on the RSS in the same way it once did. He described the RSS as an ideological guide but asserted that the BJP can now run its own operations. Despite these statements, Sunil Ambekar emphasised the strong bond between the two organizations and reaffirmed that any differences would be addressed internally.
During the conclave, Sunil Ambekar also addressed other key issues, including India’s global potential in sectors like science and economy, as well as challenges related to social disparities. He noted that while India’s global stature has risen, challenges such as social inequality and religious conversions remain significant.
On the contentious issue of a caste-based census, Sunil Ambekar recognized the need for data collection but warned against its use as a political tool. He also expressed concerns about the ongoing violence in Manipur, highlighting the RSS’s efforts to promote peace in the region.
Ambekar’s remarks reflect the RSS’s continued influence in Indian politics, even as the BJP grows into an independent political force. Despite any public perception of a divide, both organizations appear committed to their long-standing partnership.
