BJP's Autonomy from RSS: Sunil Ambekar Addresses Internal Dynamics

Senior RSS functionary Sunil Ambekar commented on BJP president J P Nadda’s statement about BJP's self-sufficiency. Ambekar reiterated that such issues are family matters not for public discourse. He also discussed the RSS's mission, societal structures, and addressed India's strengths, weaknesses, and the situation in Manipur.

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Sunil Ambekar on Wednesday termed BJP president J P Nadda's remarks, that the saffron party had transitioned from relying on the RSS to becoming self-sufficient, as a family matter.

Asked if Nadda's comments caused a rift between the BJP and the Sangh, Ambekar, who is RSS' Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said, ''We solve family matters like family matters. We don't discuss such issues on public platforms".

In a media interview in May, Nadda said the BJP had grown from the time it needed the RSS and is now "saksham" (capable) and runs its own affairs. The RSS, he had said, is an "ideological front" and does its own work.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Ambekar said that even if people join the Sangh expecting political gains, they automatically start doing good work due to their association with the organisation. Ambekar noted that many people, including those from the IT sector, daily come to the RSS to serve others.

Talking about India's progress over the last decade, Ambekar said the world now recognizes India's power and potential, especially in sectors like science and the economy.

Responding to queries about gender inclusivity in RSS shakhas, Ambekar stated there was no ground-level demand for mixed-gender participation and affirmed that structural changes would be considered if such requests emerge.

Addressing the ethnic clashes in Manipur, Ambekar emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that RSS workers are actively seeking to establish peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)