RSS coaches new Karnataka BJP district chiefs on ideology

While refusing to divulge details, BJP's C T Ravi called it a 'good session that touched upon what a karyakarta's commitment should be'. It is rare for an RSS functionary to hold meetings at the BJP office.

Bengaluru: Newly-appointed BJP district presidents received a pep talk from a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Wednesday, signalling the Hindutva nationalist organisation's intent of ensuring that the saffron party functions in accordance with ideological discipline in the fight against Congress.

Kshetreeya Karyavah Na Thippeswamy held an hour-long boudhik (intellectual) session for presidents of all 39 organisational districts of the BJP at the party's headquarters here. It is rare for an RSS functionary to hold meetings at the BJP office.

"I won't share details, but it was a good session that touched upon what a karyakarta's commitment should be, what one's purpose is and so on," senior BJP leader C T Ravi said.

According to one senior leader who attended the session, Thippeswamy stressed on the need to maintain ideological commitment. "A karyakarta does not tire, does not stop, does not bend and doesn't sell oneself," the senior leader said, quoting Thippeswamy.

The RSS is seen as the BJP's ideological parent. The outreach Wednesday through Thippeswamy came a year after the RSS recalled its functionary Rajesh GV from the BJP where he was serving as the party's organisational secretary in Karnataka. This key post, for which the RSS nominates its men, was held earlier by BL Santhosh and Arun Kumar. The post is still vacant.

"Seniors from the parivar (family) do guide and advise us. So, there's nothing special in (Thippeswamy's) session," BJP general secretary Preetham Gowda said.

According to sources, BJP state president BY Vijayendra has assigned tasks to all 39 district presidents, which includes maintaining contact at the grassroots and taking party workers into confidence.

"They were briefed on the upcoming challenges and organisational activities. The impending elections to the zilla-taluk panchayats and other local bodies were discussed," Gowda said. "District presidents were told to keep up the momentum gained by the BJP against the Congress government," he added.

Ashoka absent again

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka did not attend the meeting held with BJP district presidents. He had skipped a core committee meeting a couple of weeks back. However, Gowda said Ashoka had informed Vijayendra about his inability to attend the meeting. "There was an untimely death of a booth president in his Padmanabhanagar constituency. So, (Ashoka) had to be there," Gowda said.