Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda and others during the All India Coordination Meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in Palakkad, Kerala. (PTI)
BJP president JP Nadda is scheduled to address organisational matters on the second day, and spend only half of the second day at the meeting before heading to Delhi after attending a party unit programme in Palakkad
Palakkad, the almost secluded and calm corner in Kerala, is currently hosting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak, a ritual steeped in discipline and absolute regimentation.
The Baithak, which began on Saturday saw 320 Swayamsevak (volunteers) attendees, from septuagenarians to fresh, young joinees. Among the seniors were national presidents of organisations, veteran office-bearers and those holding crucial positions in the government, who were seen leaving behind the clout attached to their position as they submitted their phones to stay inside the venue for 72 hours.
The Baithak sees discussions, deliberation on issues and later directions by the organisation’s chief Mohan Bhagwat for the course of action.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE BAITHAK?
They eat together, stay together, pray together, and focus as one. This is not merely a meeting, but is also symbolic of the organisational rules which resemble a world of regimentation that sets the RSS apart from any political party.
The rules are strict, routines precise for the organisation, which people still struggle to understand.
During the Samanvay Baithak, the usual RSS routine of physical activities and shakhas remains temporarily suspended. The day begins with prayers to ground the participants before they assemble in the auditorium for the meeting. The works include cooking, cleaning and serving – all done by RSS volunteers and no work is outsourced.
His representation, scheduled on Sunday, was expected to address the challenges and strategies moving forward, perhaps set the tone for the discussions to follow. Apart from Nadda, the BJP has sent senior leaders, including party’s organisational secretary B L Santosh, to the Baithak.
However, unlike other key figures, who would remain engaged throughout and stay at the venue, Nadda’s participation is said to be notably brief. Nadda is scheduled to address organisational matters on the second day, and spend only half of the second day at the meeting before heading to Delhi after attending a party unit programme in Palakkad.
