ABPS re-elects Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi as RSS sarkaryavah for a record fourth-term; urges govt to use Indian languages in education

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), the highest decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh re-elected Bhaiyyaji Joshi for a fourth term as the sarkaryavah (general-secretary) of RSS on Saturday.

Maananeeya Sri Suresh ( Bhaiyaji) Joshi re-elected as #RSS Sarkaryavah ( General Secretary ) for a period of 3 years (2018-2021) by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha at Nagpur. #RSSABPS pic.twitter.com/e8ul1iqhyr

— RSS (@RSSorg) March 10, 2018

The RSS said that Joshi will be serving as the general-secretary for another three years (till 2021). He was unanimously elected as the RSS general-secretary by RSS delegates from across the country. [caption id=“attachment_4384641” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi. Twitter@RSSOrg[/caption] Earlier, it was believed that saha-sarkaryavah (joint general-secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale could be elevated to the rank of sarkaryavah. It was said that 70-year-old Joshi may pass the mantle to Hosabale due to health reasons. Hosabale, who hails from Karnataka, is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, addressing the media, RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya said that “no names to replace Joshi were brought up during the election” which was held in Nagpur on Saturday. As Firstpost had reported earlier , the sarkaryavah or general-secretary is effectively the second most important position in RSS. The general-secretary is the executive head of the organisation who looks after day-to-day activities. While the sarshanghachalak (chief) is the top post of RSS, its incumbent is seen in the role of a philosopher and guide leading the organisation. This year’s ABPS, which is held every three years, was considered crucial because this was the last annual meeting before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. THE ABPS conclave is being held in Nagpur and according to reports, 1,500 delegates of RSS are expected to attend the meeting. Held every three years, the ABPS discusses and deliberates upon a host of decisions. According to News18, the ABPS on Saturday also said that Indian languages should be given preference in education, and urged the government to formulate policies regarding the same. It also said that all competitive exam should also be conducted in Indian languages, the news channel reported. With inputs from agencies