Amid BJP's South push, RSS' Key Meet in Ooty

In an effort to strengthen its presence in South India, where its influence in Lok Sabha elections has been limited so far, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has convened a crucial strategy meeting in Tamil Nadu.

The annual three-day meeting of the RSS commenced on Thursday in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, with the participation of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other high-ranking members. The gathering, which involves the All India Prant Pracharaks (regional propagators), will continue until July 15 and will re-evaluate the Sangh's activities conducted throughout the country in the pursuit of a united India, known as 'Akhand Bharat'.

According to a statement from the RSS, all senior functionaries, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, are present at the meeting. The primary objective of the gathering is to discuss the Sangh's performance in the past year. Sunil Ambekar, the head of the RSS publicity wing, stated that this annual meeting is primarily focused on organizational matters.

Ambekar further mentioned that Bhagwat, along with Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale and co-Sarkaryavahs such as Dr. Krishna Gopal, Dr. Manmohan Vaidya, CR Mukund, Arun Kumar, and Ram Dutt, are attending the meeting. Representatives from all work departments of the Sangh at the national level will also be present.

The discussions will cover the progress made in the Sangh Centenary Action Plan, details of social work at the branch level, and the exchange of experiences. Ambekar explained that the meeting will also address the planning of programs for the next four to five months and assess the current situation.

"In addition, the meeting will review the Sangh Shiksha Varg (RSS training camps) held this year and the progress made in the Sangh Centenary Action Plan for expanding the organization. It will also deliberate on activities at the shakha (local branch) level related to social transformation," added Ambekar.

During the meeting, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will discuss the Sangh's performance over the past year, along with other senior functionaries. As the guiding force behind the BJP, Bhagwat's presence aims to evaluate and analyze the Sangh's achievements during this period.