In a dramatic shift from its formative decades, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), once celebrated for its distinct approach and internal democracy, now navigates a new era under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The erstwhile era of vibrant discussions and participatory decision-making, reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s, appears to have given way to a centralised leadership style, with Modi increasingly becoming the emblematic figure of Hindutva, overshadowing even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
During its early years, the BJP prided itself on its democratic ethos, with regular meetings and open debates within the framework of the RSS ideology. Contrastingly, recent gatherings, like the National Council meeting last month, spotlight Modi’s overwhelming presence, relegating other voices to the periphery.
The transition from a party with robust internal dialogue to one dominated by a singular leadership raises questions about the BJP’s organic connection to its base. Modi’s direct engagement with voters, sidelining traditional party workers and leaders with independent support bases, marks a significant transformation in the party’s operational dynamics. This shift is not just an internal reorganisation but reflects a broader strategy aiming to eliminate any intermediaries between the leader and the electorate.
This centralisation of power has implications for the traditional RSS and BJP workers, whose roles have been drastically altered in the Modi-centric discourse. The once pivotal middle-level cadre, instrumental in grassroots mobilization, now finds itself sidelined by a new class of party functionaries, often more focused on personal advancement than ideological commitment.
The Modi era also presents a curious paradox: while Hindutva as an ideology thrives, the RSS under Mohan Bhagwat witnesses a diminishing influence. Modi’s ascent as the face of Hindutva has gradually shifted the movement’s epicenter from Nagpur to New Delhi, with the Prime Minister assuming roles traditionally associated with RSS leadership.
This evolving dynamic between the BJP, its leadership, and the RSS signals a significant realignment within India’s political right. As Modi steers the party with an iron grip, the foundational principles of internal democracy and collective leadership that once defined the BJP and RSS appear increasingly sidelined. This transformation not only reshapes the party’s internal structure but also redefines its engagement with its ideological roots and the broader electorate.
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