Joshi unlikely to be replaced as RSS 'Sarkaryavah'

Nagpur: With speculation rife about the possible election of a new Sarkaryavah (second-in-command in RSS) to replace incumbent Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, a top contender for the post on Friday sought to put an end to it.

"No Army which is winning the battle changes its general in the middle of the battle," Sangh's joint general secretary (Sahsarkyavah) Dattatreya Hosabale said, when asked if he would be the new general secretary, who is the executive head of the saffron organisation.

The second three-year term of Joshi, a Maharashtrian is coming to an end but he is eligible for a fresh term.

However, there has been speculation that he may be asked to step aside given his old age.

Hosabale, a Kannadiga who enjoys good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was being seen as a top contender for the coveted post, which is next only to the RSS 'Sarsanghchalak' Mohan Bhagwat.

The three-day session of RSS's Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the apex body for policy formulation and decision making, which got underway here today is scheduled to elect 'Sarkaryavah' either tomorrow or the day after.