In the wake of the recent Lok Sabha elections, "Organiser," magazine linked to the RSS, has provided a candid critique aimed at the BJP. The article highlights the overconfidence and complacency among BJP workers and leaders, who relied too heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal and failed to engage effectively at the grassroots level.

This introspection suggests that the party's lackluster performance, securing only 240 seats and falling short of a majority, is a consequence of over-reliance on Modi's popularity and a focus on social media over significant electoral work.

The article stresses that while the RSS is not directly involved in BJP’s electoral activities, the party’s leaders failed to seek cooperation from its 'swayamsevaks' (volunteers). The neglect of dedicated, older workers in favor of social media-savvy newcomers was also noted as an important issue in the election results.

Lok Sabha
Image Source: IndiaMART

"Results of 2024 general elections have come as a reality check for overconfident BJP karyakartas and many leaders. They did not realise that Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's call of 400 plus (seats) was a target for them and a dare to the Opposition," expressed Ratan Sharda, a lifelong RSS member.

In the 2024 elections, the BJP won 240 seats, falling short of a majority. However, the NDA coalition secured 293 seats. The Congress won 99 seats, and the INDIA bloc secured 234 seats, which rose to 236 with the support of two Independents.

Sharda highlights that hard work in the field, rather than social media campaigns, is crucial for achieving electoral success. "Since they were happy in their bubble, enjoying the glow reflected from Modiji's aura, they were not listening to the voices on the streets," he stated.

The article also criticized "unnecessary politicking" as a major factor in the Bharatiya Janata Party underachievement. Sharda pointed to Maharashtra as a key example, where the Bharatiya Janata Party alliance with the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar was seen as misguided. Despite having a comfortable majority with the split Shiv Sena, the BJP’s move to include Pawar's faction reportedly alienated its supporters and diminished its brand value. In Maharashtra, the BJP's seat count dropped to nine from 23 in 2019.

Sharda also emphasized the issue of the Bharatiya Janata Party inducting former Congress members who had previously accused the RSS of terrorism. This move, he argued, hurt the BJP’s image, and deeply affected RSS supporters. On the role of the RSS in elections, Sharda stated, "Let me say bluntly, RSS is not a field force of Bharatiya Janata Party. In fact, BJP, the biggest party in the world, has its own karyakartas." He expressed that the responsibility for voter outreach and explaining the party's agenda lies with the BJP.

While the RSS organized numerous small meetings to encourage voting and discuss nation-building issues, Sharda noted that Bharatiya Janata Party workers and leaders did not adequately engage with RSS swayamsevaks for electoral cooperation. "Was it lethargy, overconfidence, sense of comfort that 'Ayega to Modi hi, Abki bar 400 plus'? I do not know," he reflected.

Sharda concluded by criticizing the current trend among BJP volunteers of prioritizing social media presence over grassroots engagement. "Showing off is more important by posting selfies with a multiplier effect is the new norm. If BJP volunteers don't reach out to RSS, they have to answer why they thought it was not required."

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