RSS set for massive organisational revamp with 'youth' at its centre

New Delhi: BJP's ideological mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is due to undergo a massive revamp wherein youths will be given key responsibilities for the strengthening the right-wing Hindu organisation.

According to media reports, the Sangh Parivaar is set to take a generational leap when it meets in March to elect its new executives. The RSS is set to appoint a new general secretary next month and 'Dattatreya Hosabale' is the top contender for the post.

Hosabale, who is known to be very close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to catapult the 'Sangh' into a new era where young people will have more control over the organisation.

In the event of his elevation as the general secretary, Hosabale will succeed Bhaiyyaji Joshi whose tenure ends in March.

Hosabale, a post-graduate in English literature, is currently joint general secretary in the Sangh along with Suresh Soni and Krishna Gopal. Once Hosabale is appointed as the general secretary, S Ranjan is most likely to become the joint general secretary.

Ranjan is currently serving as Sangh's Bihar in-charge.

Hosabale, who has moved up the ranks of the RSS all these years, was the organising secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Sources close to the RSS feel that Hosabale's elevation to the post of general secretary will ensure a better coordination between the Sangh Parivar and the BJP. Interestingly, several top rung leaders of the BJP were once part of the ABVP, and the same is likely to work in favour of Hosabale in fulfilling his responsibilities and bridging the gap between the Sangh and the BJP.

The top RSS leadership thinks that Hosabale's progressive views and clean image will not only help in the image makeover of the RSS, but also in its overall expansion.

With about 7,000 people joining the RSS every month, its central leadership believes that Hosabale's elevation to the post of general secretary will help the organisation to reach out to the younger generation and farmers. Across the professional spectrum, youngsters will be exhorted to join the Sangh, the sources claim.

Taking cue from the BJP, which has gained immensely under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sangh ideologues feel that party's growth momentum needs to be given a boost. With assembly elections due in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it is important that there is better coordination between the Sangh and BJP, and a young and energetic Hosabale will probably be the most suitable person to do the job.

Hosabale is also credited with making the Sangh's ideology popular in Europe.