BJP contests elections, RSS builds cadres : Why then Mohan Bhagwat met veteran Naga S C Jamir ?

Mohan Bhagwat became RSS chief in 2009. Since then, the political landscape around the Sanghparivar and the Hindtutva forces has changed dramatically.   

The Hindutva agenda has moved from aspiration to political reality: the Ram temple in Ayodhya, abrogation of Article 370 and adoption of Uniform Civil Code legislation in some states.

Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC law. In 2026, Assam became the first north-eastern state to pass the UCC Bill.  Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have it.   

The BJP is in commanding position electorally in states where it had no base. There is, however, another side. Without Narendra Modi as PM — it would have been difficult for the wider Hindutva movement and Bhagwat-led RSS to see some of these objectives translated into policy.  

Now came - Mohan Bhagwat's meeting with Naga veteran S C Jamir. The date Sept 10, 2026 -- just at the end of Bhagwat's three-nation tour.

One of them 95-year-old and no longer the old ambitious politician. But the former Nagaland CM remains a politician by instinct and wisdom. 

His favourite pastime is still -- Politics. "I will go anywhere and meet BJP, RSS or communists to help resolve our (Naga) problem".

Mohan Bhagwat is now 76 but he also wants to take the RSS into a new dimension.

Jamir told media in Dimapur :

 “Today, the BJP government moves because of RSS. Even though we are shouting they (NDA Govt) are not listening. So I said, why not you (Mohan Bhagwat) also shout so that they can also listen?".

Sept 10, 2026 - Should go down a memorable day

His objective is clear.  "We have to explore all possible means to ensure that settlement comes as soon as possible". 

"... there are '37 Nagaland' today. And is it a reality or a joke? Yes, it is a tamasha," -- 'mockery or street-side drama' ... - he was more than candid about factionalism.  

Reportedly, Jamir told Bhagwat - he (former CM) is a man "with pain' in heart.  

"Nagaland has become victim of and also dependent on the Soap-opera dynamics of Tribalism, Factionalism and Materialism," Jamir told me in June. 

Every corner of Naga society discussed  the Jamir-Bhagwat meeting on Sept 10 evening and also the next day. The Neiphiu Rio camp had its reasons to be worried and made a few frantic calls. 

"Ki hoi-asey ho" ? 

Deputy chief minister Y Patton was also busy that day in Delhi.

How time flies; -- Late Vamuzo had attended BJP's national executive meeting in Mumbai in 1996 but he was shy about the same. 

All these are not simple electoral calculation. The challenge is reputational. The RSS has its problems. In Nagaland, the 'reputation' has been badly hit long back when the NPF was made into a 'new version of the NDPP' -- anyone can join and even become NPF boss. 

The Cock is hardly a symbol of Naga regionalism today.

It means 'power' -- Bolero and Fortuner. It is a party of 'party hoppers'. Those who may not get NPF ticket - like last time - may contest on RPI, NPP or LJP tickets. Some can inform the NPF leaders well in advance.

The symbol 'Cock' somehow has 'earned' the negative connotation associated with the Lotus or Hand symbols of the past. 

-- Hunger and Greed. 

Jamir spoke about the fact that decades of negotiations and ceasefire have seen the movement splinter from the Naga National Council (NNC) into 36 or 37 groups.

The same “tamasha” is in electoral politics also. Even NPF as the longtime custodian of 'fighting cocks' - as Vamuzo used to say -- today has most former Congressman there. 

The bigger error amid comedy is the 'party-less' Govt - initially meant to bring in the Solution Agreement. 

No opposition means no criticism .. and no criticism means the state is in the hand of  a "perfect administration and leadership".

The sense of humour is also a vanishing art.

S C Jamir did a good thing to remember. Even BJP was trapped in 1998. 

Real 'exploitation' of common man's mindset started then,   

Jamir recalled resisting the NSCN (IM)’s call to boycott the Assembly polls of 1998. This he said -- was honouring his constitutional allegiance to India and oath to his God. 

Jamir appealed to legislators not to betray their constitutional oaths by yielding to extra-constitutional pressures.

Not many leaders are left who will make such appeal.  

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But Jamir has a reputational issue too. Will Solution to the Naga problem come in his lifetime ? 

He tried along with his senior colleagues and mentors in the 1950s and the 1960s. 

He enjoyed power as the chief minister. He created youngsters. He took bullets on his body. 

From Neiphiu Rio to K Therie and the likes of Chingwang Konyak, K L Chishi and Chongshen and Yokten Konyak - all have worked under him.

 

But the Naga problem is not resolved.

Can the RSS chief now help deliver an early Solution? 

In my interaction with the Late La Ganesan, only Governor from purely RSS background, my argument was - 

"If Modi Govt can resolve Naga problem; Nagas for generations will remember BJP and the RSS also. Moreover Sir; you are the Governor in office. The RSS-Naga relationship then will be of immense trust".

The same logic should apply today also even as La Ganesan has breathed his last.

There is a specialty about Bhagwat's leadership of the RSS. Bhagwat’s contribution has been to preside over an RSS that has expanded its political relevance. 

BJP has benefitted no doubt. 

But it has not become a political party by itself. 

It's simple. The BJP contests elections. The RSS builds cadres, social networks and ideological influence.

Jamir contended that the situation had rendered the state government “helpless.” 

Underground groups were allegedly issuing directives, summoning people, holding courts and interfering in economic activities. “When there is extortion, they are helpless."

When notice is given even to close shops, the government cannot do anything. When there is taxation according to percentages, they are collecting. Then where is the governance then?” 

“People’s hope against hope in the Government of India is waning..".

This statement is pretty serious and the RSS leaders were alarmed by it.

Shunting out R N Ravi was once an achievement for local leaders - covert and overt; today that should reflect like a shame.

 

ends