The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is reportedly unhappy with the ongoing discussions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the selection of the new chief minister for the state. Recent rumors circulating within the BJP about the potential candidates for the post, especially concerning caste equations, have raised concerns within the Sangh Parivar.

The RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP, has made its position clear: Devendra Fadnavis, who played a central role in leading the Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory in the recent state elections, is the natural choice for the chief minister’s post. However, internal discussions within the BJP have introduced other potential names, leading to growing discontent within the RSS.

Rising Contenders and Caste Dynamics

In recent days, several names have surfaced in social media discussions as potential candidates for the CM post, including Vinod Tawde, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Chandrakant Patil, and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. Tawde, Patil, and Mohol are all Marathas, while Bawankule belongs to the OBC category. Supporters of these leaders argue that the Maratha and OBC communities, which played a significant role in the run-up to the assembly elections, should be considered in the selection process.

This has caused a rift within the BJP, as the RSS is firmly against incorporating caste-based considerations into the selection of the CM. The Sangh has emphasized that Fadnavis, a Brahmin, led the charge in securing the Mahayuti’s victory through a meticulous campaign, which included a large-scale effort involving over 3,000 swayamsevaks touring districts across the state.

RSS’s Disappointment with Internal BJP Politics

A senior RSS leader related to the Rashtriya Muslim Manch, the Sangh’s frontal organization, has pointed out that the RSS has informed the BJP leadership that Fadnavis should naturally be the obvious choice, given his very important input in the victory. The RSS is worried that if this choice goes awry, it could dent the BJP’s chances in the upcoming municipal elections, especially in Mumbai.

The RSS is also peeved at some of its own ragged so-called leaders, all groomed by the Sangh, particularly at these four “contenders.” “Even now, both Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde have been given jobs of dual deputy chief ministers under the Maratha titleage. Then, why should BJP politicians push for a Maratha chief minister?” asks Sangh.

The internal debate reached a point where Murlidhar Mohol was out of necessity compelled to issue a clarification regarding his candidacy. For the growing rumors, Mohol, took to the social media to quench that speculation: “Our party is disciplined and the decision is on party. Such big decisions are arrived at unanimously by the parliamentary board and not via social media discussions.” This was likely meant to refute the rumors for good and reiterate the party’s collective decision-making process.

Will the BJP Align with RSS Expectations?

As the selection of the new chief minister unfolds, the RSS is expected to continue exerting influence over the BJP’s leadership decisions. While Devendra Fadnavis remains the preferred candidate, the growing caste-based debate within the party could present challenges in the coming days. The BJP’s handling of this issue will be crucial not only for the party’s internal unity but also for its prospects in upcoming elections.

ALSO READ: ‘Targeting MLAs Instead of Criminals’: Arvind Kejriwal Slams BJP After Third Attack In 35 Days