BJP and RSS: Why the Party Keeps Saying “We Cannot Be Separated”

New Delhi, September 12, 2025:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership is once again making loud and clear statements about its close relationship with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). From the Prime Minister to the Home Minister, almost every top voice is repeating one message: BJP and Sangh are part of the same family. Nothing can break this bond. This is not casual talk. It is a planned communication strategy that has been visible in the last few months.

Modi leads the message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrote a detailed article praising RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The piece appeared in many top newspapers. He described the RSS as a guiding force that has worked silently for decades in nation building. Just weeks earlier, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi again mentioned RSS in glowing terms. He called it the “biggest voluntary organisation in the world” and said its service to the nation is a matter of pride.

For a Prime Minister who usually balances his words carefully, such repeated praise is not random. It shows intent. It shows the government and the party want the world to know that the BJP’s ideological roots remain strong.

Amit Shah follows up

Union Home Minister Amit Shah too has spoken in the same tone. He said being connected with RSS is not a drawback but a source of pride. In fact, he argued that BJP leaders should never hide their swayamsevak identity. According to him, the Sangh is not only the backbone of BJP but also a force that provides moral and cultural strength to Indian society.

By speaking so directly, Shah pushed back against critics who say the BJP is distancing itself from the RSS as it grows into a larger political force. His words were chosen to underline that the BJP does not see any shame in acknowledging its parent organisation.

Why these repeated affirmations?

Observers say there are at least five reasons why the BJP brass is loudly repeating its Sangh connection.

1. Countering rumours of strain
   Before and during the 2024 elections, some reports suggested tension between BJP and RSS. Some statements from BJP leaders were read as signals of independence from the Sangh. This created doubts among party workers and the wider Sangh Parivar. Now, repeated affirmations are meant to end these rumours. The leadership wants to make sure nobody thinks there is a rift.
2. Importance of Sangh cadre
   The RSS has lakhs of volunteers spread across India. They work at the grassroots level, often silently. During elections, their door-to-door outreach, booth management, and local mobilisation make a big difference. BJP knows it cannot afford to weaken this support. That is why the party is openly showing gratitude and reaffirming its family bond.
3. Boosting morale inside BJP
   BJP workers often draw motivation from their Sangh roots. If they feel the party is ignoring the RSS, it can reduce their enthusiasm. By repeatedly stressing unity, the leadership is telling the cadre that ideological values are still central. This keeps morale high and prevents confusion.
4. Symbolism in politics
   Indian politics thrives on identity and symbolism. For BJP’s voter base, RSS is not just an organisation. It is seen as the mother body. By acknowledging the Sangh often, BJP reinforces its credibility with its core supporters. It is a reminder that the party has not abandoned its roots, even as it governs at the national level.
5. Balancing governance with ideology
   Running the government requires flexibility, alliances, and compromises. Sometimes this gives an impression that BJP is moving away from its hard ideology. Public praise for RSS helps balance this. It tells supporters that while BJP adapts in government, it has not lost sight of its ideological compass.

Recent signs of closeness

In the last few months, several moments have underlined this renewed closeness:

• Modi’s Independence Day speech that clearly mentioned the RSS and its century of service.
• Modi’s article that appeared across newspapers, praising Bhagwat and highlighting Sangh’s role.
• Amit Shah’s speech where he proudly called himself a swayamsevak.
• The ongoing consultations about BJP’s next national president, where RSS views are being considered.

Each of these steps shows that the BJP wants to remove any perception of distance. Instead, it is sending signals of family unity.

But some friction remains

Even with repeated affirmations, not everything is smooth. There are areas of subtle tension.

For example, the BJP’s national president post is still unsettled. J.P. Nadda’s term formally ended months ago, yet he continues on extension. Discussions on his successor are going on, and RSS leaders are involved in the process. Reports suggest the Sangh wants someone with strong organisational skills. But within the BJP, some leaders prefer a candidate closer to Modi and Shah. This delicate negotiation shows that while unity is declared in public, internal adjustments continue.

Also, from time to time, BJP leaders make statements that seem to emphasise autonomy. This balancing act is natural. A political party needs flexibility. An ideological organisation like the RSS prefers long-term clarity. Finding common ground between these two approaches is not always simple.

Why now?

The timing of these affirmations is also important. BJP is preparing for key state elections and is already thinking about 2029. The party knows that without a motivated cadre, its campaign machinery cannot be as effective. By bringing the Sangh closer in public, BJP ensures it will get full support during upcoming contests.

Additionally, the RSS is moving towards its centenary celebrations in 2025. This is a big event in Sangh history. BJP leaders want to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with the organisation during this period. It will help in both symbolism and mobilisation.

The road ahead

Going forward, the BJP will likely continue this approach. Expect more speeches, more praise for RSS, and more joint activities. The Sangh will also continue to play a role in shaping the party’s organisation, choosing state leaders, and guiding ideological messaging.

At the same time, occasional differences will surface. But they will be handled behind closed doors. Publicly, the line will remain the same: BJP and RSS are one family, bound by shared values and goals.

Conclusion

The BJP’s top brass is speaking loudly about its Sangh connection because it serves many purposes. It unites the cadre, reassures supporters, strengthens symbolism, and silences rumours of strain. For the leadership, these reaffirmations are not empty words. They are a political necessity.

As one BJP insider summed it up, “Our roots and our growth are linked with the Sangh. We may have different roles, but the mission is the same. Nothing can separate us.”

In today’s political climate, that statement carries both emotion and strategy. And it makes clear that the BJP, no matter how big it grows, will keep leaning on the Sangh as its permanent anchor.