The influence of the RSS on BJP is perceived to be more pronounced in cultural matters than in the realms of economy and entrepreneurship. However, the ‘conservative’ ideological parent of the ruling party is trying to change that through an image makeover and by engaging with startup founders.
On a cold morning earlier this month in Lutyens Delhi, founders of top Indian startups found themselves in the company of an unconventional host. At the lush-green lawns of the Madhya Pradesh Bhawan, they were greeted by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over a delectable spread of Indian and continental brunch. The event was notable as it brought together two major forces from the opposite ends of the spectrum — the RSS,