Madhav, who was BJP’s national general secretary from 2014 to 2020 and oversaw the party’s strategy in Jammu and Kashmir’s 2024 election, said prominent leaders such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda are themselves deep products of the RSS. “There is no separate influence from RSS on selecting the BJP president,” he said, stating that the party leadership is actively deliberating on candidates and that the process will conclude shortly.
Currently serving as president of the Delhi‑based think tank India Foundation, Madhav also clarified remarks made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat that public figures should consider stepping aside after turning 75. Although the prime minister approaches that milestone in September, Madhav dismissed speculation that Bhagwat’s comment targeted any individual. He said the statement was delivered in a broader reflection at Nagpur and not meant as a coded directive.
Media coverage has speculated on tension between RSS and BJP, citing the prolonged tenure of JP Nadda as BJP chief beyond the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Some analysts linked that to an internal tug‑of‑war over the successor’s identity. In response, Madhav noted RSS's reticent nature, suggesting that instructions, if any, would be issued privately, not from a stage. He described the organisation as family‑like: supportive and facilitative, but not obstructive.
Linkages between RSS and BJP have strengthened in recent years. Madhav, a former RSS spokesperson before joining the BJP, has been widely seen as a bridge between the two organisations. His role in orchestrating alliances—such as BJP’s partnership with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir after the 2014 elections—and his leadership in consolidating the party in the northeast, underscore that influence.
Observers note that Madhav’s return as BJP’s election chief in the J\&K assembly polls was interpreted as a statement of RSS’s reassertion in BJP’s operational decisions. Yet, Madhav emphasised that BJP leadership remains its own, structured around criteria such as organisational skills, consensus building, and projecting a fresh image ahead of the 2029 general elections.
The debate assumes greater importance as the BJP prepares to appoint its next national president. The party has methodically completed state-level leadership elections, setting the stage for the national selection. While media reports have suggested that BJP’s ideological mentor may be involved, Madhav’s interventions indicate that the process is well embedded within party protocols.
He added that the absence of a formal retirement clause for senior BJP leaders means any decision to step down will be voluntary and based on individual judgement. With several top-tier states filled and the national presidency pending, Madhav anticipates an announcement shortly. He maintained that India’s cadre‑driven, grassroots‑oriented BJP remains rich in leadership talent, and that identifying the right candidate is naturally taking time.