Madhya Pradesh Minister Claims More Officers Identifying with RSS Under BJP Rule

Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated on Saturday that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, many government officers and employees have begun publicly associating themselves with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He made the remarks while addressing a programme in Bhopal.

Vijayvargiya claimed that officers posted under the BJP government often inform him about their past or present connection with the RSS. 'Whenever an officer comes to us, he says, “Sir, when I was in Shajapur, I attended Makhan Singh ji’s shakha.” In our government, every officer who comes says, “I have also tied the patti, I have also worn the belt, I have also worn the shorts.” After our government came to power, everyone became associated with the Sangh. Every officer became part of the Sangh,' he said.

The minister, however, cautioned that organisational growth must be accompanied by the presence of 'good people.' His comments come amid ongoing debates about the influence of the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, on government institutions. Critics have often accused the BJP of politicising the bureaucracy, while supporters argue that officers are free to express their personal affiliations.

The RSS, a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation, has a large membership across India. Its members often participate in daily drills (shakhas) and wear distinctive uniforms. The organisation has historically maintained that it stays away from direct politics, though it has close ties with the BJP.

Political analysts note that Vijayvargiya's statement is significant as it openly acknowledges a trend that has been speculated for years. The opposition Congress party has not yet officially responded to the minister's remarks.