The coordinator mediates all interactions between the BJP-government and the RSS.

Regular meetings at multiple levels are held between the RSS and its offshoots, and the BJP and the government. Even though it claims to be a non-political “cultural” organisation, the RSS influences government policy wherever the BJP is in power. But given that the BJP is in power at the Centre and in several large states, his position carries much authority today. The coordinator’s role is mainly advisory. The RSS also appoints certain pracharaks to be Sangathan Mantri (Organisation Secretary) for each of its front organisations, including the BJP.

The primary responsibility of the RSS office-bearer who coordinates with the BJP is to ensure the party remains on the right ideological path. (Express Photo/File) What is the BJP pointsperson’s role? Krishna Gopal had been looking after the job since October 2014, months after the Narendra Modi government came to power. The RSS has described the replacement of Gopal with Arun Kumar as “routine”. This situation, however, changed subsequently. His office in Delhi’s Paharganj saw frequent visits by ministers and government officers. In the initial years, several appointments, especially in education, were made on Gopal’s advice. When he replaced Suresh Soni four months after the BJP-led government came to power, Dr Krishna Gopal, a PhD in botany from Agra University and with wide experience in UP and the Northeast, was considered the most appropriate man for the job. Also in Explained | Explained: The BJP’s focus on Kumaon region of Uttarakhand Arun Kumar’s predecessor

Rss office