Following the massive victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh, it seems that some sort of association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has become essential element of job applications for political positions in the state.
According to reports, various applications made in the last few days for posts such as the Additional Advocate General contain references to past affiliations to the RSS. Notably, some candidates are even highlighting the fact that they have also been Sangh Pracharaks, even if for small periods of time. Pracharaks sacrifice their family lives for the RSS’ service and command greater respect in the organisation.
The Sangh now plays an important role in almost every prestigious appointment in the country or the state, where the BJP is in power. Recently, RSS had displayed its power when it came to the appointment of chief minister in Uttar Pradesh.
After winning 325 seats in the state, the party had fixed union minister Manoj Sinha’s name for the top job, however, it is believed that the RSS nixed Sinha’s name and approved Yogi Adityanath’s candidature for UP chief minister instead. Considering that the RSS’s joint general secretary (and the outfit’s second in command) Dattatreya Hosabale had been in charge of the BJP’s UP affairs for the past three months, he was clearly involved in the decision.
It may not officially have a say in drafting government policy but the RSS has gained a foothold in the BJP regime by appointing people close to the Sangh to state-run institutions and personal staff of several ministers.
Earlier, the interference of Sangh in such appointments had sparked off a row with opposition leaders alleging that all this is being done to saffronise everything. Now with the BJP forming government in almost every state, let’s see how many Sangh affiliated people get top jobs!
