Political career beginnings and role in RSS

 Lal Krishna Advani's political career beginnings and his role in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are crucial to understanding his development as a politician and his influence on Indian politics. Here are the key points:

Political Career Beginnings:

1. Initial Association with RSS:

   - Joining RSS: Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942, at the young age of 15. The RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization, played a pivotal role in shaping his ideological beliefs and political outlook.

   - Swayamsevak Role: As a swayamsevak (volunteer), Advani underwent rigorous physical training and participated in various activities aimed at promoting Hindu culture and values. This involvement helped him develop leadership skills and a strong sense of discipline.

2. Early Responsibilities in RSS:

   - Organizer Role: Advani quickly rose through the ranks within the RSS due to his dedication and organizational abilities. He was assigned responsibilities for organizing RSS activities in Karachi.

   - Post-Partition: After the partition of India in 1947, Advani relocated to India, where he continued his work with the RSS. He was appointed as a pracharak (full-time propagator) in Rajasthan, where he worked to expand the organization's influence.

3. Transition to Politics:

   - Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS): In 1951, Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the political arm of the RSS, founded by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The BJS aimed to promote Hindu nationalist ideals and provide an alternative to the dominant Indian National Congress.

   - Role in BJS: Advani held various positions within the BJS, starting as a general secretary. He played a significant role in organizing the party's activities, expanding its base, and formulating its policies.

Role in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS):

1. Ideological Influence:

   - Hindutva Philosophy: The RSS's ideology of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) profoundly influenced Advani. He believed in promoting and preserving Hindu culture and values, which became a cornerstone of his political career.

   - Nationalism: The RSS's emphasis on nationalism and a strong, united India resonated with Advani, especially in the context of his experiences during the partition.

2. Leadership and Organizational Skills:

   - Training and Mentorship: The RSS provided Advani with leadership training and mentorship. He learned the importance of grassroots mobilization, discipline, and dedication to the cause.

   - Networking: Through the RSS, Advani built a network of like-minded individuals who would later become key figures in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

3. Key Campaigns and Activities:

   - Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: Although more prominent in the later stages of his career, Advani's early RSS involvement laid the groundwork for his leadership in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which sought to build a Hindu temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

   - Political Mobilization: Advani's ability to mobilize support and organize campaigns was honed during his time with the RSS. He effectively used these skills to strengthen the BJS and later the BJP.

 Advani's Evolution as a Politician:

1. Founding the BJP:

   - Formation of BJP: In 1980, following the dissolution of the Janata Party, Advani, along with other former BJS members, founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was instrumental in shaping the party's ideology and strategy.

   - Leadership Roles: Advani served as the BJP's president multiple times and was a key strategist in its rise to prominence.

2. Key Strategies and Campaigns:

   - Rath Yatra: In 1990, Advani embarked on the Rath Yatra, a political campaign to garner support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The Yatra significantly boosted the BJP's popularity and solidified Advani's position as a leading figure in Indian politics.

3. Political Legacy:

   - Shaping the BJP: Advani's early experiences with the RSS and BJS shaped his approach to politics. He played a crucial role in transforming the BJP into a major political force in India.

   - Influence on Indian Politics: Advani's emphasis on Hindutva and nationalism has had a lasting impact on Indian politics, influencing the country's political discourse and policy directions.

Advani's beginnings with the RSS and his early political career set the stage for his influential role in Indian politics. His dedication, organizational skills, and ideological commitment were key factors in his rise to prominence and the growth of the BJP.