Gujrat CM Narendra Modi

Modi patch up with RSS chief

Prashun Bhaumik |

Gujrat CM Narendra Modi

By Sanjiv Acharya

Everybody including BJP leaders and the media were surprised that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not attend the rally against price rise in Delhi, the first show of strength by the new BJP president Nitin Gadkari. What was more surprising was that Modi instead flew in a special plane to Nagpur, to meet RSS chief Mohan Rao Bhagwat and other top brass of the RSS. He spent more than two hours at the RSS headquarters and discussed the Gujarat riots case being investigated by the Special Investigating team. The meeting was seen to be very important because Narendra Modi has been at loggerheads with many senior RSS functionaries.

He was also opposed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders in the state and various RSS office bearers in Gujarat had complained to the RSS high command about his arrogance and high handedness. Sources say Modi’s tussle with the RSS was only till Sudarshan was the sarsanghchalak. It is no hidden fact that Narendra Modi’s relations with the RSS were sour over Sanjay Joshi, the powerful general secretary of the BJP who was on deputation from the RSS. Sanjay Joshi and Modi are not in talking terms. Sanjay Joshi had to resign from the party post and also from the RSS over his alleged sex CD which was distributed among the media in Delhi. People close to Joshi did not hide the fact that it was the handiwork of “a strong man from Gujarat.”

Nitin Gadkari and Sanjay Joshi are said to be very good friends. Gadkari in fact wanted to include Joshi in his national team. He even got the green signal from many RSS leaders. But as soon as the news reached Gujarat Modi got active. His relations with Mohan Rao Bhagwat are cordial. Ultimately, Sanjay Joshi’s appointment was cancelled.

Now Modi is in regular touch with the RSS top brass. RSS has also assured him full support in the Gujarat riot cases. Modi and RSS are both happy as Gadkari is a known stop gap arrangement. It is Narendra Modi who after all will lead the BJP as its president in the future.