On March 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. It was his first visit there since becoming PM in 2014, and it happened right when the RSS was celebrating its 100th birthday. This wasn’t just a casual stop—it’s a big deal for India and its politics, showing how tight Modi and the RSS, the group that guides the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), really are.
Why does this matter to the country?
Well, Modi, who used to be an RSS worker himself, visited the memorials of its founders, Hedgewar and Golwalkar, and called the RSS a “banyan tree” protecting India’s culture and growth. He also stopped by Deekshabhoomi, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar switched to Buddhism, mixing RSS values with a nod to social equality. With elections like Bihar coming up, this feels like a smart move to keep everyone happy. Plus, people are talking about who’ll take over as BJP president, so the timing’s pretty interesting.
Politically, this visit patched things up between the BJP and RSS. After the 2024 elections, when the BJP won only 240 seats—way less than their 400-seat dream—things got rocky. BJP boss J.P. Nadda had said they didn’t need the RSS as much, which annoyed the group, and they seemed to step back during the polls. But Modi showing up in Nagpur with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “We’re good again.” It’s a big deal for the BJP, especially since they’re juggling allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and eyeing more wins.
What’s it mean for BJP-RSS teamwork?
Modi’s kind words about the RSS’s 100 years of work show they’re still on the same page. But some, like Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT), think it’s a sign Modi might step back soon and the RSS wants more say in the BJP. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis brushed that off, saying Modi’s here to stay past 2029.
So, wrapping up, Modi’s Nagpur trip was a clever move—part tribute, part strategy. It proves the RSS still shapes the BJP, even after some bumps. For India, it’s a reminder that this duo’s bond is key to how things run.
Sources: The Indian Express
