NEW DELHI: When the RSS holds its annual three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Nagaur, Rajasthan, next week, the BJP’s ideological fountainhead is likely to take a leap from its flappy khaki shorts to trousers. Suggestions have even come for changing the trademark khaki to blue or gray, keeping in mind sensibilities of the new generation, which, the RSS says, is flocking to its shakhas.
RSS sources said the issue had been discussed since last year’s annual conference in Nagpur. The RSS has allowed track pants in its shakhas for IT professionals.
RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said the issue would be discussed during the meet, which would decide future programmes of the Sangh. The event, which will have over 1,200 representatives of its allied organisations, will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
All eyes will be on this conference against the backdrop of the debate over alleged “anti-national” activities in JNU. Sangh sources said current political developments were likely to be discussed and resolutions on socio-political issues would be adopted to give a clear line of thought to the larger saffron family, including the BJP and the government. BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, will attend. The RSS’ reach has increased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government took over in 2014, with the number of shakhas jumping to over 51,000 in 2015.
Vaidya said the meeting would showcase innovative work done by RSS units, which would be replicated across India. The RSS had focussed on Dalits, harmony in families and expanding its reach to all villages.
The key organisations that will participate include Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch. Other groups such as Sakshama (works for the blind), Seema Suraksha Parishad (works among people of border districts) and Poorva Sainika Parishad (works for retired soldiers) will also be represented.