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The Sangh Parivar, with its vast grassroots network and ideological influence, has the capacity to shape public opinion and mobilise support or restraint after the Pahalgam attack
The meeting came in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, where unarmed civilians and tourists were targeted and killed. (PTI)
In a rare but crucial development, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Tuesday for over an hour. While such a visit is seen as extremely unusual as the RSS chief rarely visits political leaders, sources in the Sangh structure confirmed that it was the first such meeting since PM Modi took office in 2014.
The meeting comes in the immediate aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, where unarmed civilians and tourists were targeted and killed, sparking outrage and triggering anger across the nation.
According to sources privy to the meeting, Bhagwat conveyed the Sangh Parivar’s deep anguish over the incident and the growing anger and sense of insecurity within the Hindu community. He is also learnt to have extended the Sangh’s support to the prime minister and the government’s efforts in responding to the terror attack.
“This was not just a courtesy visit,” a senior RSS functionary told News18. “The mood on the ground is intense. Hindus are pained and angry. The Sangh believes it’s important to stand by the government but also ensure that public sentiment is understood and channeled responsibly. This is an hour of emergency and that is why Bhagwat-ji met the PM on his own,” he added.
While Bhagwat’s visit itself is symbolically and strategically significant, the message it carries may be even more critical. The Sangh Parivar, with its vast grassroots network and ideological influence, has the capacity to shape public opinion and mobilise support or restraint as required by the government.
The government, aware of this strength, is believed to be weighing its next steps carefully in light of both public emotion and national security imperatives.
Another senior functionary of the RSS noted: “If the government senses a clear and strong public opinion in favour of a decisive retaliatory action, it can move swiftly and strategically in that direction. Public opinion is important.”
Meanwhile, the Centre is also said to be quietly assessing the public mood through both formal and informal channels, including feedback from Sangh affiliates and its inspired organisations. The effort now appears focused on gauging the appetite for a firmer policy shift and managing both expectations and emotions in a volatile and sensitive moment. Bhagwat’s visit signals that the Sangh is not just watching from the sidelines, but actively engaged in influencing the national response, both in terms of political calibration and societal sentiment.
