Yogi Adityanath meets RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as BJP hopes to turn a new leaf before Uttar Pradesh bypolls

File: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (L) with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday in Mathura that lasted for two and a half hours. This is the first time the two leaders have met for a substantial discussion since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, adding weight to growing speculations about the political trajectory of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. The timing of the meeting, ahead of the upcoming by-elections for nine assembly seats in the state, underscores its importance.

Sources reveal that the meeting was not confined to the immediate by-elections but also touched on the broader political strategy for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Bhagwat reportedly stressed the need to prioritize development alongside the Hindutva agenda, a dual strategy that is expected to resonate with voters. While the BJP’s political narrative has long been driven by its Hindutva plank, adding development as a central focus could help the party appeal to a broader spectrum of voters and offset some of the challenges it faced in the recent elections.

"The message from the RSS is clear: while Hindutva remains a key element, addressing developmental needs and showcasing tangible progress must become central to the campaign," a source close to the developments revealed.

Easing tensions 

This meeting takes on added significance in the backdrop of speculated tensions between the RSS and the BJP leadership. Just four months ago, both Yogi and Bhagwat were in Gorakhpur for nearly 26 hours, yet they did not meet despite being in close proximity. This fueled rumors of dissatisfaction within the Sangh regarding the BJP’s leadership and direction, particularly after the party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. At the time, sources hinted that the RSS was not entirely pleased with how the BJP conducted its campaign in Uttar Pradesh, raising questions about internal rifts.

The recent meeting in Mathura, however, suggests a possible reconciliation or at least a realignment of strategy. It signals the RSS’s renewed interest in shaping the BJP's electoral strategy in Uttar Pradesh, especially in light of the upcoming by-elections and the assembly elections just three years away.

The importance of the RSS in electoral politics has been evident in other states, notably in the recent Haryana elections, where the RSS played a critical role in mobilizing voters and ensuring the BJP's success.

In Uttar Pradesh, reports indicate that the RSS's perceived lack of enthusiasm during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections contributed to the BJP's defeat in many key constituencies. The SP-Congress alliance, under the banner of the INDIA alliance, secured 43 of the state's 80 seats, marking the BJP’s most substantial defeat in a decade.

The BJP's inability to counter the well-coordinated efforts of the opposition alliance raised concerns within the party and the Sangh about its electoral strategy. Now, with the by-elections looming, the BJP cannot afford a similar setback. The involvement of the RSS, particularly at the grassroots level, will be crucial in boosting the party's chances of regaining lost ground.

New political chapter for Uttar Pradesh

The Yogi-Bhagwat meeting is poised to open a new chapter in Uttar Pradesh politics. With the RSS and the BJP realigning their strategies, this meeting could mark a shift in how the party positions itself for the 2027 assembly elections. The emphasis on development, alongside Hindutva, suggests that the BJP is aiming for a more balanced approach to appeal to a wider electorate.

The immediate focus, however, remains on the upcoming by-elections, which are seen as a litmus test for the BJP. The party will once again face the SP-Congress alliance, a formidable coalition that has already proven its strength in the 2024 elections. The BJP has yet to announce its candidates for the by-elections, while the SP has already fielded candidates for seven of the nine seats. The BJP’s strategy will be to counter this coalition with a robust campaign, likely supported by the RSS at the grassroots level.

The political ramifications of the Yogi-Bhagwat meeting are likely to be far-reaching. A renewed focus on development, backed by the Hindutva agenda, could help the BJP regain voter confidence in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the active involvement of the RSS in the campaign is expected to galvanize the party’s cadre and create a stronger organizational base to tackle the challenges posed by the INDIA alliance.

“In the broader context of Uttar Pradesh politics, this meeting could signify the end of any perceived discord between the RSS and BJP leadership. The outcome of the by-elections will serve as an indicator of how well this realignment is working and will likely influence the party’s strategy moving forward, not just for the 2027 assembly elections but also for future national elections,” political analyst Rajendra Kumar said.