RSS General Secretary Suresh (Bhaiyaji) Joshi. (Photo courtesy: samvada.org) RSS General Secretary Suresh (Bhaiyaji) Joshi. (Photo courtesy: samvada.org)

On a day when the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) surprised even its most optimistic supporter, the spotlight was back on the parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as anxiety mounted over the kind of role the Sangh would play, the control it would exert on the Narendra Modi-led government as well as the agenda it would want the new government to take up. Mail Today spoke to the second-in-command, RSS' Sarkaryavah, to get a sense of the times to come.

What is it that the RSS wants from this BJP-led government?

Suresh (Bhaiyaji) Joshi (SJ): First and foremost, treat everyone equally and not as religious or cultural entity. The environment over policies, corruption, national security needs to be tackled effectively.

Even though victorious, the BJP seems torn up inside with Sushma Swaraj and Lal Krishna Advani not on board.

SJ: I do not expect the BJP will face any internal dissidence. Even if so, there are capable people in the party to address that. Not our work to mollycoddle those upset inside the BJP.

You agree that the RSS is very visible this election season especially?

SJ: Following the 1977 elections this is yet another time that we have stood up. The yearning for desire was visible in the entire nation.

In this file photo, Hindu pilgrims view a model of the temple dedicated to Lord Ram in the holy city of Allahabad. VHP president Ashok Singhal (right) is also seen here. In this file photo, Hindu pilgrims view a model of the temple dedicated to Lord Ram in the holy city of Allahabad. VHP president Ashok Singhal (right) is also seen here.

Now that the BJP has its own majority, what happens to issues like Ram Mandir?

SJ: Those who will come into power following this verdict have mentioned these cultural written it in their election manifesto. They will do it. Let us leave it to them to see how and when.

RSS' role in the new government?

SJ: An elected government should never function through a remote control. Sangh will have no role.

Mr Advani suggested that this vote is merely a vote against Congress. Do you agree?

SJ: This vote is a total impact vote which is a pro-change vote.

Do you believe such a mandate and one-man control can lead to arrogance?

SJ: If this government gets arrogant then history has enough examples to tell us what people have done to such people and their governments.