RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Strategic Visit to Conflict-Affected Manipur Amid Leadership Discussions

Senior RSS leaders welcome Mohan Bhagwat in Manipur's Imphal

Imphal:

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, this morning for a three-day visit to the border state where Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

According to sources, the visit by the chief of BJP's ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is part of the organization's centenary celebrations.

This marks Bhagwat's first visit to Manipur since the ethnic violence began in May 2023.

His arrival has created significant buzz in Manipur's political circles, particularly as the state is currently under President's rule and discussions are reportedly ongoing about potential leadership changes.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stepped down from his position in February this year.

After landing at Imphal airport at 10:20 am, Bhagwat was transported to Bhaskar Prabha where he was scheduled to conduct a series of meetings with entrepreneurs, tribal leaders, youth representatives, and intellectuals.

He is also expected to engage with community representatives both in the Imphal valley and in several hill districts.

Sources indicate there is strong speculation that Bhagwat's visit could be a strategic intervention by the RSS, reflecting the organization's ambition to take a more visible role in peacebuilding, community dialogue, and social reconciliation efforts in Manipur.

"The RSS has always maintained an influential voice in leadership matters. His presence at this critical juncture is particularly significant," a senior BJP leader told NDTV.