Not that RSS! Om Prakash Rajbhar unveils his own ‘uniformed’ sena in Uttar Pradesh

OP Rajbhar's RSS eyes a one lakh-strong cadre base in UP in the long term.

Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has launched an organisation he calls the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena (RSS), triggering a buzz across the state because of its name, structure and uniformed appearance.

Rajbhar's RSS is not linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Instead, it is a cadre-based outfit formed under the banner of his party, with members wearing blue uniforms, shoulder insignia and yellow identification tags. The group has also been assigned ranks on the lines of the police and armed forces, including designations such as commander, DSP, CO, inspector and sub-inspector.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajbhar said the Suheldev Sena had existed earlier as a loose organisational structure, but was now being formally launched. "Earlier, people associated with the Sena wore yellow scarves or T-shirts. Now we are giving them a proper identity with uniforms and ID cards," he said.

Members of the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena, launched a week ago, have been issued badges and sticks instead of lathis, and stars on their shoulders indicate rank. Rajbhar said the objective was not to create a militant force but to channelise the energy of rural youth. "We want to prevent young people from going astray and help them develop their skills. The Sena will work towards capacity-building and guiding youth in the right direction," he said.

According to Rajbhar, the organisation will also assist in managing arrangements and security at SBSP rallies and political programmes across the state. He added that the Sena would focus on youth between the ages of 18 and 25, many of whom are uncertain about employment and future prospects.

The initiative has begun in 22 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, where the SBSP has its strongest political base. Rajbhar said the plan was to gradually expand the organisation across the state, with a long-term target of enrolling one lakh members.

While the formation of the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena has placed Rajbhar back in the political spotlight, there is still little clarity on how the outfit will function on the ground and what role it will eventually play beyond providing organisational support for the party.