V Satish to be BJP’s in-charge for Rajasthan

JAIPUR: BJP’s national joint general secretary (organisation) V Satish will be in-charge of the state party affairs in Rajasthan; replacing Saudan Singh.
Though, the official announcement over his appointment is likely to come during this week, V Satish is already in Jaipur and taking over his responsibilities. His arrival in Jaipur as the state party in-charge comes at a time when a major conflict is brewing between the state Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) unit and the Vasundhara Raje government over the demolition of temples in Jaipur.
According to party sources, Satish’s first and major challenge would be to address the issue and ensure that the conflict does not shape into a major controversy, particularly during Thursday’s proposed `chakka jam’. The senior member of the party immediately got into action holding lengthy discussions with state party president Ashok Parnami, cabinet minister Arun Chaurvedi and chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Though, officially the senior members maintained that the discussions revolved around the organisation, sources with the party confirmed that they pondered over the Thursday’s protest not turning into a major tussle between the RSS and the government.
The state government has already conveyed to the RSS that most of the temples were demolished and relocated as part of a drive against the illegal structures and the decision is in sync with the Supreme Court directives.
The RSS, though, is particularly upset about the relocation of six temples in the Walled City area, including ancient Rojgareshwar Mahadev and Khasthharan Mahadev temples, which were moved to pave the way for Jaipur Metro. The state proposes to move seven more temples in the area.
“As the post of an organisational secretary is vacant in the state unit for years, Satish would be expected to play the role of a bridge between the party and the RSS. He was earlier associated with the state unit during the assembly and Lok Sabha polls and hence is familiar with the working and people here,’’ said a senior party member. He added that with his arrival in Jaipur, the party’s hopes of RSS softening its stand against the demolished temples have strengthened.
His appointment comes within days of Avishan Rai Khanna, who replaced J P Nadda, also the party unit in-charge.