Is There a Rift Between BJP and RSS? Ram Madhav Clears the Air

On Saturday, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Ram Madhav dismissed speculation of differences between the Sangh and the party. He said both are part of the “same ideological family.”

“These kinds of rumours come up again and again. Whenever there is nothing else, stories are made about RSS and BJP having issues. But the truth is that RSS and BJP are two organisations linked with the same thought and belief system,” Madhav, who earlier served as BJP’s national general secretary, told the media.

Madhav clarified that the BJP works in politics, while the RSS focuses on social activities. He firmly stated, “There is no conflict,” while also pointing out that the Sangh welcomes people from every political side, including Congress.

Congress questions Modi’s praise for RSS

His comments came a day after the Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the RSS in his Independence Day 2025 address. The opposition described it as an “affront to the Constitution. Defending the Prime Minister, Madhav praised the speech, saying it encouraged swayamsevaks and gave respect to the RSS for completing 100 years of service to the nation.

Opposition to RSS called ‘political’

Madhav further said that for political reasons, some leaders, especially from Congress, have always opposed the RSS. However, he added that even those leaders know in reality that the Sangh works for the Hindu community and for the country without being part of politics. “The organisation’s role is to build good individuals and shape character, and everyone is aware of this,” he said.

He also pointed out that people from many different backgrounds, including Congress members, get opportunities to work at the grassroots level in the Sangh. “Some people believe that by opposing the RSS they can gain political benefit, but that is only their view,” he remarked.

RSS and BJP’s working style

RSS leader Arun Kumar had earlier mentioned that while the Sangh and the BJP carry out their own activities separately, they work together based on “mutual trust.