K S Sudarshan, chief of Rashtriya Swayayamsewak Sangh (RSS), has announced his retirement on Saturday citing the reasons to be of his health. Mohan Bhagwat has succeeded him.

Bahgwat is the new ‘Sar Sangh Chalak’ (chief) of the RSS. The appointment of Bahgwat comes with an expectation to redefine relations with the BJP at a time when the BJP is trying hard to come back to power at the Centre.

Mohan Bahgwat has replaced K S Sudarshan who steps down after being at the helm of the Sangh Parivar fountain head for approximately 9 years when there were several ups and downs in its ties with the BJP during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s term as Prime Minister of India of the NDA government.

The election of Bhagwat as the ‘Sar Sangh Chalak’ came on the second day of the 3 day RSS conclave that is expected to redefine its relationship with the BJP.

Rajnath Singh, president of BJP and Bal Apte, on deputation from RSS, were present on the occasion.

Mohan Bhagwat, 59 years old, has good relations with the BJP leadership including L K Advani. Mohan Bhagwat was replaced as general secretary of the party by veteran ideologue Suresh Soni who used to be in the BJP hierarchy a few years ago as a joint general secretary.