BJP plugs gaps in state units, brings RSS connect back in focus

New Delhi: The BJP has filled key gaps in its state units by appointing general secretaries (organisation), a post traditionally held by RSS full-timers. However, there have been very few fresh RSS deputations, with most of the posts going to functionaries already in the BJP's organisational network.

Nabin on Thursday released the list and responsibilities of 24 RSS full-timers working in the BJP ecosystem, mostly in the role of organisational secretary.

Around 10 states had been without a full-time general secretary (organisation) for a considerable period. The organisational secretary is a key cog in ensuring coordination between the Sangh, the BJP organisation and the respective state government.


However, big states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala continue to be without a general secretary (organisation). BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh hails from Karnataka while Ram Madhav has been appointed as a poll in-charge of TN.

Significantly, the list does not indicate a significant fresh deputation of RSS functionaries to BJP, barring one or two. Most of those appointed are already part of BJP's ecosystem and have been given additional responsibilities, including in adjoining states. It is more of a rearrangement of organisational secretaries.

The most visible change is in the role of Saudan Singh, who has been moved from his earlier northern-state responsibilities to a larger eastern cluster comprising Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, with Bhubaneswar as his centre.

Singh's shift is particularly significant. Rather than bringing in new RSS functionaries, the BJP has expanded the mandate of senior organisational hands.