PM Modi’s Visit to RSS Headquarters: A Turning Point in BJP-Sangh Relations?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur—his first since assuming office in 2014—has sparked discussions about a realignment between the BJP and its ideological parent after reports of strained ties last year.

During his visit, Modi praised the RSS as a “banyan tree of India’s immortal culture and modernization” and hailed the millions of swayamsevaks as its branches, selflessly serving the nation.

Shifting Equations: From Tensions to Reconciliation?

Modi’s visit to Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, the memorial of RSS founders K B Hedgewar and M S Golwalkar, has surprised many—even within the Sangh. It is being seen as an effort to restore ties and present a united front ahead of key political and organizational milestones.

“The RSS has always been the ideological guide of the BJP. However, previous PMs and BJP leaders have maintained a distinction between governance and Sangh influence. While many acknowledged the RSS’ role in shaping their political careers, they also emphasized that it did not dictate government policies,” a senior RSS functionary noted.

The visit comes just nine months after the BJP suffered a setback in the Lok Sabha elections, where its tally fell below the majority mark for the first time in a decade. Before the polls, BJP president J P Nadda’s remark that the party had grown beyond needing RSS support fueled speculation of a shift in BJP’s approach towards its ideological mentor.

However, following the election results, the BJP seemingly adjusted its course, leading to decisive victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi—reportedly after renewed coordination with the RSS.

Balancing ‘Moditva’ and the Sangh’s Collective Leadership

Despite the apparent show of unity, differences remain. The RSS has been uneasy with BJP’s increasing reliance on Modi’s personal brand of leadership, known as “Moditva”, which deviates from the Sangh’s collective and cadre-based approach.

A senior BJP strategist admitted that the RSS was uncomfortable with the party institutionalizing personality-driven politics. The BJP has fought multiple elections on Modi’s leadership, making him the central figure in its political narrative, a departure from the Sangh’s traditional emphasis on organizational strength over individual charisma.

However, RSS leader H V Seshadri dismissed speculation about differences, stating that such reports come from those who do not fully understand the BJP-Sangh dynamic.

Modi-Bhagwat on the Same Stage: A Symbolic Message

Modi’s joint appearance with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat—first at Hedgewar Smruti Mandir and later at Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre—is being seen as a clear indication of reconciliation.

The last time the two leaders shared a stage was during the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, a moment deeply tied to the RSS’ long-standing ideological goals. Modi called his visit to the RSS memorial an “overwhelming experience”, saying:
“The legacy of Hedgewar and Golwalkar continues to inspire lakhs of swayamsevaks dedicated to nation-building.”

Timing Matters: RSS Centenary & BJP Leadership Change

The visit comes at a crucial juncture, ahead of:

1. The RSS’ centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of the organization.
2. The BJP’s National Executive in Bengaluru, where the party is expected to announce its new national president next month.

Given this backdrop, Modi’s public endorsement of the RSS as a force of “samarpan” (dedication) and “seva” (service) is being viewed as an attempt to solidify the Sangh’s role in BJP’s long-term vision, particularly its “Viksit Bharat 2047” roadmap.

RSS’ Influence Returning to the Forefront?

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule underscored the RSS’ role in nation-building, stating:
“The RSS has always been our ideological backbone, and today, PM Modi reaffirmed its contribution to India’s growth and development.”

While RSS-affiliated organizations work across various social and cultural spheres, they have often been criticized by opponents for pushing a hidden ideological agenda. Historically, contentious issues such as the Ram Temple construction and Article 370 abrogation were downplayed in earlier NDA governments to maintain coalition stability.

However, Modi’s speech, particularly his recognition of swayamsevaks’ role in the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, is being interpreted as a revival of core RSS concerns in BJP’s political priorities. This also follows the Centre’s decision to lift restrictions on government employees participating in RSS activities, further indicating a softening of earlier boundaries.

A New Chapter in BJP-RSS Relations?

Modi’s visit to Nagpur signals a strategic recalibration of the BJP’s relationship with the RSS—one that acknowledges the Sangh’s historical role while balancing the party’s evolving political dynamics.

While the BJP under Modi has charted an independent course, the visit suggests that the party still values its ideological roots in the RSS, particularly as it gears up for future electoral and governance challenges.