Madhya Pradesh: Former RSS Members Launch Janhit Party To Offer 'Alternative’ In Elections

Several individuals who were once part of the RSS have recently formed a new party in Madhya Pradesh called Janhit.

Their aim is to break the dominance of Congress and BJP in state politics and provide the public with a fresh alternative.

Janhit held its inaugural meeting on Sunday (10 September), which saw a turnout of over 200 people.

Most of Janhit's members left the RSS around 2007, citing their belief that the BJP has deviated from its core ideologies and now resembles the opposition Congress.

The formation of Janhit comes approximately three months after the Bajrang Sena, a right-wing group formed by a former Bajrang Dal member, joined the Congress.

The Congress has remarked that the formation of a new party by former RSS members is a clear sign of growing discontent within the BJP.

In response to this, BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi downplayed the significance of the situation. He emphasised that everyone has the right to present their ideology to the public, while the BJP remains focused on its agenda of development and welfare.

Another BJP leader expressed a different perspective, suggesting that this development actually benefits the RSS by spreading its message.

Their focus is on fighting independently and pursuing their own mission, rather than joining the BJP or the Congress.

Abhay Jain, a former RSS pracharak and founding member of the Janhit, said their focus is on governance issues.

In 2007, Jain decided to break away from the RSS. He described himself as a freelancer swayamsevak, feeling limited in his ability to contribute to society within the confines of the RSS.

Vishal, another founding member of the Janhit, expressed his initial attraction to the RSS due to its core ideology. However, he felt that the organisation was not aligned with this ideology and desired to do more for society.

Jain commented on the Congress party's attempt to align with Hindutva, stating that it has now become a mainstream culture that politicians, including Arvind Kejriwal and Kamal Nath, are embracing solely for the sake of gaining voters. Jain argued that this is not true Hindutva.

The Congress party's shift towards Hindutva is evident in Kamal Nath's portrayal of himself as a devotee of Hanuman, organising religious events, and installing a massive Hanuman idol in his political stronghold of Chhindwara.

Party members are confident about presenting a challenge in the upcoming year-end elections. Despite being a small party, they acknowledge the vast organisation and resources of the Congress and BJP, which may not be intimidated by their presence.

Nevertheless, they are determined to make an effort and try to make an impact.