Guwahati: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at 'Sudarshanalay,' the RSS Assam Prant headquarters in Guwahati on Sunday, wrapping up his three-day Assam visit. The meeting is being described as a courtesy call by Sarma after he assumed office as chief minister for a second consecutive term on May 12, marking his first interaction with Bhagwat since taking oath.
Significance of the Closed-Door Meeting
Political analysts noted that the closed-door meeting carried substantial significance, particularly as attention remains focused on the expansion of the ministry. So far, only four ministers have been sworn in and received portfolios from the Chief Minister. Although the nearly hour-long meeting remained confidential and was limited to a few top RSS functionaries from Assam and the northeast, RSS sources indicated that the Sangh desires no dissidence and hopes its expectations were conveyed during the discussion.
RSS's Role and Expectations
RSS insiders stated that the Sangh does not seek to directly influence the functioning of the government but will continue to serve as a guiding light. Their immediate priority, they said, is that the new government in Assam operates without dissidence or dissatisfaction among ministers and NDA MLAs. An RSS source remarked, "RSS always wants leaders with honesty, dedication, and a clean image to be ministers."
At a time when the BJP-led government's special focus has been on protecting the rights of indigenous people and cultural and religious heritage, the RSS leadership hopes that the government prioritizes indigenous communities in the education and cultural sectors. Sangh insiders expressed hope that the combination of state BJP president Dilip Saikia, who hails from an RSS background, and Chief Minister Sarma will fulfill people's expectations during Himanta's second term as Chief Minister.
Bhagwat's Assam Itinerary
Bhagwat arrived in Assam on the evening of May 13 and proceeded to RSS's nerve centre, Geeta Ashram in Hojai town in central Assam. An RSS karyakarta camp began there on May 11 at the Sanskar Mandir Project premises and will continue until June 1. Bhagwat attended the training camp for three days: May 14, 15, and 16. After completing his Hojai visit, he briefly visited the 'Sudarshanalaya' in Barbari on Sunday before departing for Nagpur.
