With a spring in their feet post Haryana jackpot, BJP, RSS mend fences

Four months after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha elections, there is a palpable realisation within the ruling party and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), that they must unite to effectively counter the Congress-led India alliance at the polls.

The recently concluded Haryana elections served as the first litmus test for the BJP and the RSS-led Sangh Parivar, marking a revival of their coordination efforts post-national elections.

The results underscored the BJP leadership’s recognition that, contrary to its initial desire for self-reliance, it requires the collective strength of the Sangh Parivar to secure electoral victories and maintain internal order.

Historic win

While the BJP is celebrating its historic triumph in Haryana —becoming the first political party to secure a third consecutive term — the pivotal role of the RSS in mitigating coordination issues and managing dissent among ticket aspirants prior to the elections cannot be overlooked.

Also Read: Haryana win, J&K show will silence BJP’s critics, strengthen Modi's hold over NDA

Facing a decade of anti-incumbency and protests from farmers and wrestlers, which threatened to derail its campaign, the responsibility of pacifying rebel candidates fell to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He was tasked with rallying support within the party ranks.

Unequivocal message

The message from the BJP-RSS leadership was unequivocal: candidates were urged to either withdraw from the electoral race and actively campaign for the party or face disciplinary action, including potential expulsion for six years.

“One of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s greatest attributes is his patience and approachability. This trait allowed him to unite the BJP leaders in Haryana before the polls,” said Harjit Singh Grewal, a national executive member of the BJP, in an interview with The Federal.

Also Read: Haryana elections: The best ever BJP performance in the state?

Saini’s persuasive touch

Saini personally approached prominent candidates, such as senior BJP leader Rajiv Jain, who had aspired to contest from Sonipat, persuading him to withdraw his nomination. He also successfully convinced former deputy assembly Speaker Santosh Yadav, who sought to contest from the Ateli seat in Mahendragarh district, to step back.

Similarly, senior BJP leader Ram Bilas Sharma, who intended to run for the Mahendragarh seat, was also persuaded by Saini to withdraw.

However, not all rebel candidates were swayed. In the days leading up to the election, the central BJP leadership took decisive action against seven candidates who refused to heed the call to withdraw. Notably, all seven faced defeat in the elections. Prominent leaders among them included Ranjit Singh Chautala, a former minister who lost in the Rania constituency, and Sandeep Garg, who campaigned against Nayab Singh Saini.

Also Read: Haryana win, J&K show will silence BJP’s critics, strengthen Modi's hold over NDA

Bringing back loyalists

Following the landslide victory in Haryana, the BJP leadership has chosen to mend fences with rebels who contested as independents and won.

In a bid to bolster its numbers in the assembly, the party has welcomed back senior leaders Devendra Kadyan, who triumphed in the Gannaur seat, and Rajesh Joon, who defeated the BJP candidate in the Bahadurgarh constituency.

Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with Savitri Jindal, who won from Hisar as an independent after being denied a party ticket.

Reinforcing alliances

The Haryana elections have catalysed a renewed collaboration between the BJP and the RSS-led Sangh Parivar. In light of this recent victory, there is a concerted effort within the BJP to enhance coordination with senior RSS leaders and affiliated organizations.

The BJP’s success in Haryana, along with its performance in Jammu and Kashmir, has prompted senior RSS leaders to engage with key figures such as Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, and Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as they prepare for upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and by-polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: Exit polls get it wrong once again, fail to feel voter pulse in Haryana, J-K

Sangh Parivar’s support

“The BJP leadership previously declared its self-sufficiency in the midst of the election campaign. Consequently, members of the 32 Sangh Parivar organizations focused on their organizational duties, neglecting electoral work. However, following the BJP-NDA's failure to secure 400 seats, it has become clear that the BJP requires the support of the Sangh Parivar. As a result, these members are now more actively involved in assisting the BJP,” noted Dilip Deodhar, a Nagpur-based observer and author with expertise in the RSS, in comments to The Federal.

With the BJP's commanding victory in Haryana and its notable performance in Jammu and Kashmir, preparations are already underway for forthcoming elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and other states.

“Senior leaders from the Sangh Parivar have met with Devendra Fadnavis and Yogi Adityanath to ensure better preparation and coordination for the upcoming polls. The BJP leadership has recognised its need for the Sangh Parivar’s support,” Deodhar added.