Raje’s Ties with the Sangh
Vasundhara Raje, one of Rajasthan’s most prominent BJP leaders and a two-time Chief Minister, has long maintained a complex yet significant association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While her political career has often been defined by her own stature and following within the state, her relationship with the Sangh has oscillated between cooperation and quiet distance. Against this backdrop, her recent closed-door interaction with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Jodhpur has once again triggered speculation about her future role in state and national politics.
During her two-day tour of Jodhpur, Raje held a 20-minute private conversation with Bhagwat at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Lal Sagar. The RSS chief was in the city for a three-day all-India coordination meeting, bringing together nearly 300 leaders from 32 Sangh affiliates. While the content of their discussion remains undisclosed, the mere optics of Raje meeting Bhagwat—without her close aides present—has set the political grapevine humming.
Immediately after, Raje made a series of religious visits, including stops at Bada Ramdwara, Jugaljodi Temple, and the shrine of Ramdeora, suggesting that her tour carried both political and spiritual undertones.
Raje’s Record as Chief Minister
To understand the weight of this meeting, it is important to revisit Raje’s legacy in Rajasthan. As Chief Minister, her administration was credited with expanding infrastructure, particularly roads and power connectivity, and implementing social schemes aimed at women and children. The Bhamashah scheme, introduced during her tenure, became a pioneering model of direct benefit transfers.
However, her governance also drew criticism. Farmers’ protests, rising unemployment, and allegations of centralised decision-making dented her popularity during her second term. While she cultivated a strong personal base, detractors within the BJP often questioned her alignment with the Sangh’s grassroots network—an undercurrent that continues to influence her political trajectory.
Political Undertones and Symbolism
The timing of the Jodhpur meeting is crucial. Raje has been largely out of the spotlight since the BJP’s leadership in Rajasthan shifted toward collective decision-making and newer faces. Her recent “exile” remark during a religious sermon—interpreted by many as a reflection on her reduced role—further fuelled speculation about her political positioning.
Engaging directly with Bhagwat, therefore, may not just be a personal outreach but a strategic signal. In a party where the Sangh’s influence remains decisive, such gestures can reshape political equations, especially ahead of organisational reshuffles or electoral strategies.
Looking Ahead: A Calculated Silence
For now, neither Raje nor the RSS has disclosed the substance of their dialogue. Yet, the implications of this interaction extend beyond one meeting. It highlights the balancing act leaders like Raje must perform—nurturing mass appeal, navigating internal party rivalries, and maintaining relevance with the Sangh.
The road ahead could unfold in several ways. Raje may be repositioned for a renewed role in Rajasthan’s politics, either as a mentor figure or as a counterweight to emerging leadership. Alternatively, she could be tapped for responsibilities beyond the state, leveraging her experience and stature within the BJP’s broader national framework.
Between Past Legacy and Future Possibilities
Vasundhara Raje’s private exchange with Mohan Bhagwat underscores her enduring significance in Rajasthan’s political landscape. Her legacy as a leader who shaped the state’s developmental path cannot be dismissed, even if her later years in power invited controversy. By meeting the Sangh chief at a time when her political role appears ambiguous, she has once again placed herself at the center of speculation.
Whether this encounter translates into a comeback, a redefined role, or merely a symbolic gesture, it signals that Raje remains an actor who cannot be written off. As the BJP recalibrates its strategies in Rajasthan and beyond, her blend of administrative experience, political charisma, and ties with the Sangh could yet prove decisive in shaping her next chapter.
(With agency inputs)
