Ram Madhav’s Strategic Appointment Signals BJP’s Renewed Focus on Jammu and Kashmir Elections
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd August 2024
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decision to appoint Ram Madhav as one of its key in-charges for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections is a strategic move that highlights the renewed influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in shaping the party’s electoral strategies. This decision marks a significant moment, indicating the RSS’s reassertion of its role in guiding the BJP, especially after the party’s attempts at asserting its independence during the Lok Sabha elections.
Ram Madhav, a prominent figure in the BJP who was previously removed from his position as general secretary in 2020 when J.P. Nadda restructured the party’s leadership, is now back in the fold. His earlier ousting was reportedly linked to differences with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which led to his marginalization within the party. Despite his earlier central role in the BJP’s success in regions like the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, and his involvement in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to the Indian diaspora, Madhav’s influence had waned. Sources indicated that even during Modi’s international visits, Madhav’s active participation had significantly decreased.
However, the RSS, recognizing his value, brought Madhav back into its inner circle by appointing him to its executive council. This move allowed him to continue his work behind the scenes, particularly through the India Foundation, where he organized various international activities and conclaves. His quiet yet effective role within the RSS set the stage for his re-emergence in the BJP.
On Tuesday, the BJP officially appointed Madhav and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy as in-charges for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, which are set to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 4. Madhav’s return to a crucial role in the party is seen as a deliberate move to mend the BJP’s relationship with its ideological patron, the RSS. In the aftermath of the BJP’s mixed performance in the last Lok Sabha elections, which many attributed to the indifference of RSS cadres, the BJP has become more deferential to the RSS, actively seeking its support in key electoral battles.
Madhav’s expertise and deep understanding of the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir make his appointment particularly significant. With the BJP eyeing the possibility of forming the government in the region, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, Madhav’s knowledge of local candidates and his past experience in orchestrating political alliances, such as the 2015 tie-up with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are expected to be invaluable.
The decision to bring Madhav back into a prominent role is not just about his individual capabilities but also reflects a broader shift in the power dynamics between the BJP and the RSS. The RSS, which had taken a step back during the Lok Sabha elections, is now reasserting its influence, ensuring that it plays a central role in the BJP’s decision-making process, especially in critical regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
This move also underscores the BJP’s pragmatic approach to politics, recognizing the need to strengthen its coordination with the RSS. In recent times, the party has made several decisions aimed at improving this coordination, particularly in poll-bound states like Haryana and Maharashtra. By re-engaging with the RSS, the BJP aims to bolster its electoral prospects and ensure that it is well-prepared to face the challenges ahead, particularly in the strategically important region of Jammu and Kashmir.
