Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several legislators from the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena, offered floral tributes at the memorial of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in Nagpur on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The leaders visited Smruti Mandir, an important landmark associated with the RSS, to pay homage to Dr Hedgewar, remembering his enduring influence on India’s social and political landscape.
While leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena were present, legislators from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stayed away despite being part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. For readers following Maharashtra politics, this absence is important to note. It raises questions about internal coordination within the coalition and how ideological differences continue to play out even after electoral alliances are formed. Understanding these moments helps make sense of the larger political signals being sent to party workers and the public.
Leaders Pay Homage at RSS Founder’s Memorial
The visit to Hedgewar’s memorial saw senior leaders offering tributes and spending time at the Smruti Mandir, which holds deep significance for the RSS. Dr Hedgewar founded the organisation in 1925, and the memorial in Nagpur is considered a place of reverence by RSS members and supporters across the country.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde were joined by ministers and MLAs from the BJP and Shiv Sena. The leaders described Hedgewar’s life as one dedicated to national service and social organisation.
Absence of NCP Leaders Draws Attention
What stood out during the visit was the absence of NCP legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP is a key partner in the Mahayuti government, along with the BJP and Shiv Sena, making their non-participation noticeable.
While no official reason was given for skipping the visit, political observers see it as a reflection of the ideological diversity within the coalition. The NCP has traditionally maintained a distance from RSS-related events, even when sharing power with parties that openly align with the organisation.
Political Signals Within the Mahayuti Alliance
Events like these often carry political messaging beyond the immediate occasion. For the BJP and Shiv Sena, the visit reinforces their ideological roots and connection with the RSS. For the NCP, staying away may be a way to maintain its distinct identity within the alliance.
Such moments highlight how coalition governments manage differences while continuing to function together.
