In a significant development signaling the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) deeper involvement in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political strategies, prominent RSS functionary Ram Madhav has made a return to active politics. On Tuesday, the BJP appointed Madhav as the poll in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, marking his re-entry into the party’s top political ranks.
Ram Madhav’s Political Comeback
Ram Madhav’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first assembly elections since being reconstituted as a Union Territory in 2019. Madhav, who was previously removed as the BJP’s national general secretary in September 2020 when J.P. Nadda restructured the party leadership, is now back in a prominent role. His return reflects the BJP’s strategy to leverage his extensive experience and deep connections with the RSS, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
Madhav had previously served as the BJP’s in-charge for the Northeast region and Jammu and Kashmir, playing a pivotal role in shaping the party’s influence in these areas. Notably, he was instrumental in forming the BJP’s first-ever government in Jammu and Kashmir, in alliance with Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Although the alliance eventually fell apart in 2018, leading to the imposition of President’s rule, Madhav’s role in that period remains a key part of his political legacy.
BJP’s Strategy for Jammu and Kashmir
Madhav’s reappointment as poll in-charge underscores the BJP’s focus on Jammu and Kashmir as a critical battleground. Alongside Madhav, Union Minister and BJP’s Telangana President G. Kishan Reddy has also been named as a poll in-charge for the region, highlighting the party’s intent to deploy experienced leaders for the upcoming elections.
The decision to bring back Madhav was reportedly discussed among the BJP leadership in recent days, with the consensus being that his prior experience in Jammu and Kashmir could be a valuable asset. His deep roots within the RSS and his previous success in navigating the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir are seen as crucial factors in the BJP’s election strategy.
RSS’s Increasing Influence in BJP Affairs
Ram Madhav’s return to a key political role also signals the RSS’s growing influence within the BJP’s decision-making process. As a leader with strong ties to the RSS, Madhav’s re-entry is viewed as a move to align the BJP’s electoral strategies more closely with the broader ideological goals of the Sangh.
This development suggests that the RSS is set to play a more prominent role in shaping the BJP’s approach to crucial elections, particularly in sensitive and strategically important regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav’s appointment is likely to be seen as part of a broader effort to ensure that the BJP’s electoral strategies are well-coordinated with the RSS’s long-term vision for the country.
Conclusion
Ram Madhav’s return to active politics as the BJP’s poll in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir is a clear indication of both the party’s and the RSS’s strategic priorities. With assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on the horizon, the BJP is turning to seasoned leaders like Madhav to navigate the complex political terrain. His reappointment not only reflects his past successes but also highlights the increasing role of the RSS in the BJP’s electoral strategies as the party gears up for a significant electoral battle in the Union Territory.