CHANDIGARH: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is on a multi-day visit to Punjab as part of the organisation’s centenary year outreach, with his engagements across key districts drawing political attention in a state gradually moving towards the 2027 Assembly elections.
Bhagwat began his Punjab tour from Pathankot, where he interacted with ex-servicemen and members of civil society from border districts including Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur. The interaction focused on national security awareness, social responsibility and community participation, particularly among veteran families that form a significant social constituency in border regions.
During his stay in Pathankot, the RSS chief also held internal meetings with Sangh functionaries to review organisational activities and expansion efforts in Punjab.
He later traveled to Ludhiana, where he addressed a gathering of intellectuals, industrial representatives and professionals at Aurobindo College. The interaction formed part of the RSS outreach programme aimed at engaging opinion makers and urban stakeholders during the organisation’s 100-year celebrations.
In Ludhiana, Bhagwat emphasised social harmony, youth participation and nation building, stating that the RSS works at the societal level and does not naturally participate in electoral politics. He also interacted with local RSS volunteers and reviewed ongoing social initiatives being undertaken by affiliated organisations in the region.
Sources indicated that Bhagwat’s schedule also included meetings with educators and community representatives, besides closed-door organisational discussions with senior RSS office bearers from Punjab.
Though officially described as a routine ideological and organisational visit linked to centenary programmes, Bhagwat’s presence in Punjab has triggered political discussion given the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ongoing efforts to expand independently in the state following the end of its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Political observers note that outreach to ex-servicemen, youth groups and urban professionals assumes significance in Punjab’s evolving political landscape, particularly as national parties attempt to strengthen grassroots networks ahead of future electoral contests.
The visit comes at a time when major political parties in Punjab have begun early positioning for the next Assembly elections, making Bhagwat’s engagements closely watched across political circles.
The RSS chief is expected to continue organisational interactions before concluding his Punjab visit later this week.
