The intricate relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been marked by occasional tensions and mutual dependence over decades of Indian political history. Rooted in ideological affinity yet fraught with periodic disagreements, this alliance has recently witnessed a resurgence of public scrutiny and introspection following the 2024 elections. Various statements and actions from RSS leaders have been interpreted as subtle admonitions towards the BJP, sparking debates about the nature of their partnership and its implications for India’s political landscape.

The RSS, as a socio-cultural organization with a nationalist ideology, has played a pivotal role in shaping the ideological framework of the BJP since its inception. Formed in the aftermath of the Janata Party’s disintegration in 1980, the BJP emerged as a political force representing Hindu nationalist sentiments, distinct from its precursor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The relationship between the RSS and the BJP has not been without its challenges, often resembling a mentor-student dynamic where ideological fidelity competes with political pragmatism.

Key moments in this relationship include the pivotal elections of 1984, 2004, and the more recent 2024. In 1984, during a period of national crisis, the........

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