BJP and RSS Deeply Linked, Two Sides of the Same Coin: Shiv Sena (UBT) in ‘Saamana’
Saamana editorial alleges deep BJP-RSS nexus, questions Sangh’s political neutrality and ideological direction
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that the organisation has drifted from its once “pure and honest” character and is now complicit in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alleged corruption and unconstitutional conduct.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led faction claimed the RSS often described as the BJP’s ideological parent has either lost control over the ruling party or is quietly benefiting from its actions.
Referring to a dialogue held in Mumbai last week to mark the RSS centenary, the editorial scrutinised remarks made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, particularly his assertion that the Sangh is merely a non-governmental organisation with no direct role in politics. Rejecting this claim, the article argued that the BJP and RSS are inseparable, describing them as “two sides of the same coin” and accusing the Sangh of being a participant in the government’s alleged misdeeds.
The editorial questioned Bhagwat’s attempt to portray institutional distance between the two bodies, stating that while volunteers may serve in government, the ideological overlap is undeniable. It cited historical episodes including the Janata Party’s collapse over the dual membership controversy in the 1970s — as evidence of enduring links.
The piece also raised concerns about what it described as the Sangh’s growing proximity to political power, referencing the construction of its office at Delhi’s Jhandewalan Estate and alleging that a historic temple was demolished to accommodate parking. According to the editorial, such developments reflect the “arrogance” of shared authority.
Commenting on the centenary event, the Thackeray camp noted the presence of prominent personalities from cinema, industry, and academia, calling it an unusual shift from earlier Sangh gatherings. It suggested that celebrity participation may be driven more by political caution than ideological support.
The Sena faction further accused the BJP of fragmenting Hindutva groups, engineering defections, and exerting influence over constitutional institutions. It also criticised the Sangh leadership for remaining silent on hate speech and polarising rhetoric allegedly used by some BJP leaders, questioning the organisation’s commitment to communal harmony.
Additionally, the editorial argued that several long-standing ideological objectives including the vision of “Akhand Bharat,” conferring the Bharat Ratna on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and safeguarding Hindus in Bangladesh remain unmet despite sustained political dominance.
The remarks underscore intensifying political friction between the Uddhav Thackeray led party and the BJP-RSS combine, as rhetorical battles continue to shape the broader opposition narrative ahead of key electoral contests.
