RSS decides to set up IT cell, hold shakhas in Muslim localities during brainstorming session in Chitrakoot

Although the alleged Ram Mandir ‘land scam’ reportedly overshadowed other issues during the four-day long brainstorming meeting of the RSS – the parent organization of Hindutva offshoots – it concluded its July meeting with the aim to set up an ‘IT cell’ and increase its presence on social media.

The July meeting of the ultra nationalist organization is held every year in which only full time ‘prant pracharaks’ (state heads) are invited to discuss contemporary issues and chalk out strategies for the future.

According to an RSS source, during the meeting – held in Chitrakoot of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh – it was decided that RSS should go as per the needs and challenges of the time.

“The IT cell will be established with help from IIT graduates. It will provide job opportunities also. Basic idea is to bust myths about RSS and expansion of its ideology among the new generation,” said an RSS pracharak.

When asked, the pracharak confirmed, “Suspension of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s verified badge on Twitter was also discussed in the meeting.”

In June, Twitter had removed the blue tick from the handles of Mohan Bhagwat as well as some other Sangh functionaries including Krishna Gopal. Although it was restored after an hour after a furore, it is believed that Twitter's action forced RSS to rethink its social media strategy.

Observers believe that setting up of an ‘IT cell’ by the RSS would lead to more propaganda in favour of the Hindutva ideology and the Modi government on social media.

“RSS doesn’t speak much about it. Their IT cell plan is clearly aimed at reaching out to youth before the 2024 election. They have started preparing for the next general election,” an observer remarked.

Apart from increasing its presence on social media, the holding of shakhas in Muslim localities was also discussed, the RSS pracharak told NH.

“How to bring nationalist Muslims in RSS’ fold was discussed in the meeting,” he said.

A few days ago, speaking at an event organized by ‘Muslim Rashtriya Manch’, Bhagwat had remarked that Hindus and Muslims in India share the same DNA. Stressing on the need for Hindu-Muslim unity, Bhagwat said, “It has been scientifically proven that we are all one.”