With an organisation man Jai Ram Thakur’s rise as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (RSS) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) are calling the shots in new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Whether ministers, or other political appointments, the BJP men having roots in the organisation have got prominence in the government.

The move has boosted the morale of BJP workers who, otherwise, have felt sidelined during previous BJP governments in the state.

Out of total 11 ministers, five were active members of ABVP and had served the right-wing organisation’s student party before making foray into state politics.

The ministers, who have organisational background are; Suresh Bhardwaj, Vipin Parmar, Virender Kanwar, Bikram Singh, Govind Singh Thakur and Rajiv Saijjal.

These developments are considered to be well-thought out approach of Jai Ram Thakur who himself had been closely associated with ABVP and RSS. Thakur has himself served the ABVP as a full timer and has worked in other related organisations also.

Apart from ministers, the top posts in CM’s office are also being awarded to those with ABVP and RSS.

Immediately after the government was formed, the former office bearers of ABVP and party loyalists as Trilok Jamwal and Mahender Dharmani were appointed as Political Advisor and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to CM respectively.

While RSS worker Shishu Dharma has been given the post as OSD to CM, former ABVP office bearer Ashok Sharma has been appointed as the new Advocate General of the state.

Party sources said the previous BJP governments in HP earlier facilitated the party workers in day to day activities, but they were neglected while giving appointments at top places.

“During the previous regime, only experienced leaders used to get coveted posts. But the new BJP government under CM Jai Ram Thakur is choosing new and young faces who could work enthusiastically,” party officials said.

“BJP has always promoted the party cadre and they were given prominence in organisation as well. But due to public scrutiny in the new regime, such appointments are being highlighted,” state BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti told The Statesman.

“This would boost the party cadres who work selflessly and would ultimately strengthen the organisation,” he said.

The BJP’s move to appoint young faces from the organisation are seen in the light of the vision of party’s top leadership, including BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra, who have time and again, had asserted to bring younger faces in the organisation and government, who could help BJP repeat in power in future.