Full Breakdown
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) Invites Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Israeli Consul General to Oct 20 Vijayadashami Celebration
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Core Event
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold its annual Vijayadashami function on October 20 at the Reshim Bagh Ground in Nagpur, concluding its centenary-year celebrations. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will deliver his customary address, and Sanjay Gupta, editor-in-chief of *Dainik Jagran*, will serve as chief guest. Invited dignitaries include former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Israel’s Consul General for the Midwest India region, Yaniv Revach (also reported as Yaniv Revanch).
Background & Context
The RSS, founded in 1925, began its centenary programme on October 2 of the previous year, with former President Ram Nath Kovind as chief guest. Dhankhar resigned as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on July 21, 2025 (some reports cite July 22, 2025). In February 2026 he clarified that his departure was health-related, not political. India’s defence partnership with Israel provides context for Revach’s invitation, highlighting the RSS’s engagement with international representatives.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rajesh Loya, Sanghchalak of Nagpur, announced the guest list in a press release, confirming Dhankhar’s and Revach’s attendance.
- An RSS insider suggested Dhankhar’s presence could “clear the misconception” that the Sangh plays a secondary role to the BJP.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress leaders seized on the invitation to question the government’s handling of Dhankhar’s resignation.
- “On July 21, 2025, the PM and HM suddenly, in a matter of a few minutes, forced the resignation of the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom they had got elected three years earlier,” — Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary
- “Now, the RSS has invited the former Vice President as a special guest to its annual Vijayadashami function in Nagpur on October 20. Clearly the ecosystem is at war within itself as it unravels.” — Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary
Data & Statistics
- October 20 – RSS Vijayadashami event (guests: Dhankhar, Revach).
- July 21, 2025 – primary date cited for Dhankhar’s resignation.
- July 22, 2025 – alternative date reported by a separate source.
- October 2 (previous year) – start of the RSS centenary celebrations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Resignation date: Most outlets reference July 21, 2025, while *Free Press Journal* records July 22, 2025.
- Consul General’s name: Reported as Yaniv Revach and Yaniv Revanch in different sources; no clarification has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On July 21, 2025, the PM and HM suddenly, in a matter of a few minutes, forced the resignation of the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom they had got elected three years earlier,” — Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary
- “Now, the RSS has invited the former Vice President as a special guest to its annual Vijaya Dashami function in Nagpur on October 20. Clearly the ecosystem is at war within itself as it unravels.” — Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary
What’s Next
The RSS Vijayadashami celebration on October 20 will proceed as scheduled, featuring speeches by Mohan Bhagwat and Sanjay Gupta, and the attendance of Dhankhar and Revach. No further events related to the invitation have been announced.