Why is Arvind Kejriwal writing letters to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat? That’s because the AAP leader—and former Delhi chief minister—knows a thing or two about political gimmicks.
Gimmicks have long been part of the political process in India. It is not unusual for one party’s poll promises to be dismissed as gimmicks by its rivals. The consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya was mocked as a gimmick by the DMK, as the Dravidian party sought to send an appropriate message to its vote bank. In 2023, during the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, even a matter as serious as the peace agreement with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), was criticised by the Congress as “merely a political gimmick”. Indira Gandhi’s 1971 slogan of “Garibi Hatao,” which gave a long lease of life to the Congress, remains one of the finest examples of political gimmickry.
In trade and commerce, a gimmick is a technique to attract customers or buyers and divert them from competitors. As politics has become more commercialised and less focussed on social service, it is hardly surprising that political parties approach elections with the same competitive mindset as businesses. Free electricity, water, healthcare, and education are some of the time-tested gimmicks, just as “Bijlee, Sadak, Paani” became a political catchphrase in Madhya Pradesh. As in business, the best gimmick (or ‘jumla’, as they say in Hindi) in politics often takes the cake and the icing on it.
Kejriwal’s letter to the RSS Sarsanghchalak falls under this category of political gimmick. His letter to the RSS, widely reported in the media, raises important issues such as corruption, voters list manipulation, and the weakening of democracy. It is strange that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader would appeal to the RSS to act as a jury against the BJP. While the BJP has criticised Kejriwal’s missive to the RSS leadership, the timing of the letter suggests a strategic move, especially with Delhi Assembly elections around the corner.
Also read: Gloves off ahead of Delhi assembly elections—why AAP is on the warpath against Congress
What’s eating Arvind Kejriwal?
The BJP’s stunning victories in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections have an interesting aspect associated with the RSS. After setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP reportedly recognised the importance of the support of the cadre-based RSS in micro-managing the electoral process. In Haryana, an active RSS organised thousands of small meetings emphasising the importance of voting and electing an effective government. And the rest, as they say, is history. This same winning formula was repeated in Maharashtra, where the BJP belied all predictions and registered a spectacular victory.
Reports indicate that RSS workers are planning similar meetings in Delhi. “There are reports in the media that RSS will seek votes for the BJP in the Delhi elections,” Kejriwal wrote. To put the record straight, the RSS, as a socio-cultural organisation, does not actively participate in politics or campaigning for any party. In Haryana and Maharashtra, RSS meetings did not explicitly canvass for the BJP, but the underlying message was clear for the voters. Kejriwal’s apprehensions about losing the elections are understandable, especially given the serious corruption charges against him and his party members.
Kejriwal should know that the cases against him fall under the jurisdiction of the courts. If he has any grievances regarding corruption or electoral roll tampering, the appropriate body to address them is the Election Commission of India (ECI), not the RSS. His decision to drag the RSS into the poll arena is a calculated mischief; he is probably unaware of its consequences. In September 2024, Kejriwal had similarly written to the RSS regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Questioning the RSS-BJP relationship, he had sought to know whether the BJP’s retirement age limit of 75 years for its leaders in politics applies to the PM, and also complained about the misuse of central investigative agencies. Like his September letter, the current one may not elicit any response from the RSS beyond a formal acknowledgment.
Delhi voters seem increasingly fed up with the worsening situation, especially in terms of pollution, governance, and law enforcement. The AAP appears to have already lost the battle of public perception and seems clueless about how to counter the anti-incumbency factor. Meanwhile, the Congress has taken potshots against Kejriwal for his outreach to the RSS, pointing out that apart from the BJP, the AAP is the only other party with RSS members. Both, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and Kejriwal should examine their respective parties to be sure that there are no RSS sympathisers. Anyway, RSS Swayamsevaks are free to join any political party except those with extra-constitutional or extra-territorial loyalties.
The upcoming Delhi elections promise to be a three-way contest between the AAP, BJP, and Congress. Ironically, after Kejriwal’s letter, all three parties now seem to agree that the RSS will play a significant role in shaping the electoral outcome in Delhi.
Seshadri Chari is the former editor of ‘Organiser’. He tweets @seshadrichari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)
The author is full of bias. He says “Delhi voters seem increasingly fed up with the worsening situation, especially in terms of pollution, governance, and law enforcement.” and blames Kejriwal for it!! Law enforcement and pollution totally depend on the central govt. As for “governance”, this word is a gimmick used by the author because the meaning is unclear. Are people of delhi saying there is no development? No. Are they saying roads, schools, hospitals, public services are bad? No. So what governance he is complaining about?