RSS to hold 7-day annual meeting with chief Mohan Bhagwat in Odisha

The highest policy-making body, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will reportedly be holding a seven-day annual meeting in Odisha next week. This will be the first-ever event of its kind, amidst BJP’s increasing efforts to gain foothold in Odisha. Biju Janata Dal or BJD has been the prominent party in Odisha for decades. While he is currently serving his fifth term, the chief of BJD, Naveen Patnaik has been the incumbent Chief Minister of the State for four consecutive terms since 2000. Before him, his father Biju Patnaik was amongst the top politicians from the State. 

RSS meetings

Seen as an effort to shore up BJP in the state of Odisha, the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal’s meeting will also be attended by the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. This meeting will be held between October 14 and 20 within a privately managed university in Bhubaneswar. Around 400 functionaries from different states and affiliated groups of RSS are likely to attend the grand meeting. It is said that the working President of BJP, JP Nadda will also be present at the meeting.  

Read: Mohan Bhagwat says, "There is no hierarchy in RSS" at a national meet

RSS worker hails the timing of the meet 

Sameer Mohanty of the RSS’ Odisha (East) chapter said, “The holding of the meeting of the RSS’s highest decision-making body in Odisha shows the remarkable growth and strength of the Odisha unit over the last two decades”. 

Read: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat claims, Muslims in India are 'happiest'

RSS chief’s engagements in Odisha 

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be presiding over various discussions during the meeting with different affiliated bodies of the Sangh. These bodies include Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Shiksha Vikas Samiti, Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Dharma Jagaran Samiti. He will also be addressing intellectuals from the state on October 12. Coming at a time when the BJP is making rapid strides and has emerged as the main opposition party in Odisha, the political observers said that the timing of the RSS meeting in the state is perfect.  

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Read: RSS firm on Bharat being 'Hindu Rashtra', says Mohan Bhagwat