The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has appointed Dattatreya Hosabale as its new 'Sarkaryawah' or general secretary. The appointment comes after a long time, as Hosabale replaces Suresh ‘Bhayyaji’ Joshi, who was appointed the RSS general secretary for fourth time in 2018.
65-year-old Hosabale will take charge ahead of the RSS, along with the group's planning for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and RSS centenary celebrations in 2025.
As a student, Hosabale was active during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, and was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). He also served as the general secretary for the student organisation ABVP. He comes from Sorab in Shimoga district in Karnataka and is a vocal supporter of the government’s key policies like NRC, NEP.