RSS Focuses On Maharashtra Seats Where BJP Is Relatively Weaker, Urges Hindu Voters To Rise Above Caste Divisions: Report

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has focused on those constituencies where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is relatively weaker in the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for 20 November.

However, the working styles of both organisations were different. While the RSS worked silently through house-to-house campaigns, the BJP went aggressively after the opposition, a senior BJP functionary said.

Sources within the Sangh revealed to The News Indian Express that its swayamsevaks (volunteers) held numerous meetings across the state’s interior regions and engaged in door-to-door campaigns.

They sought to inform voters about their concerns regarding perceived threats to Hindutva due to specific political actions and asserted that the Mahayuti performance will not be as weak as predicted by the opposition.

"Meetings were held across wards and villages by RSS volunteers, especially in constituencies where the BJP is not strong," a RSS source said adding that voters were asked to rise above caste divisions.

"We urged Hindu voters to vote for Hindutva and Bharat, both of which are targeted by internal and external forces. For this, MahaYuti must be supported," said a senior RSS leader.

The examples of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh were used during campaigning and the silence of opposition parties on such incidents was highlighted as it "exposes the nefarious agenda against Hindutava and Bharat."

A BJP source said that key constituencies, identified as weak for the BJP and its allies, were shared with the Sangh as the RSS has been active for over six months.

"In response, thousands of Sangh volunteers launched a mission canvassing the voters, through awareness campaigns which echoed danger to Hindutava and Bharat’s unity," the source added.