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Ex-DGP (Kerala ) Jacob Thomas to join RSS as pracharak.
KOCHI: The former Director General of Kerala Police, Jacob Thomas, will join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time pracharak. The decision comes at a time when the RSS and BJP are aggressively luring the Christian community.
Jacob Thomas said he will participate in the RSS padhasanchalan at Pallikkara in Ernakulam district in the official RSS uniform — known as Ganavesham — on October 1.
“I have been associated with the RSS for decades and have been in touch with the top brass of the organisation, including sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. It was the discipline and selfless service of the cadre to the nation that attracted me to the RSS.
They are truly patriotic and I haven’t met any RSS cadre who thinks of personal gains. I think there is no other organisation in the world that displays such dedication and devotion to the nation,” he said.
Jacob said he was associated with RSS even during his years as an IPS officer. Jacob said he has conveyed his willingness to work as a full-time pracharak of the RSS and it is for the organisation to decide how to utilise his services.
Background & Announcement:
Who is Jacob Thomas?
Jacob Thomas is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Kerala. He rose to the be Director General of Police (DGP) in the Kerala Police cadre.
Over his career, he has been both praised and criticized: praised for his outspoken stance against corruption, and criticized for alleged undisclosed land holdings and other controversies.
Recent political / organizational trajectory:
After retirement, Thomas aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2021, he contested an assembly election (Irinjalakuda constituency) but was unsuccessful.
In recent times, he had often voiced positions in line with RSS / Sangh Parivar ideas and maintained contact with RSS leaders.
The announcement:
Thomas has declared that on October 1 (Vijayadashami day) he will formally join the RSS “Padhasanchalanam” (processional march) in Ernakulam / Kochi region, wearing the RSS uniform (Ganavesha / Ganavesham).
He describes the move as converting a long-standing ideological inclination into full-time service.
He says he was “attracted to” the RSS since 1997, citing its discipline and selflessness, and that when he was in government service he maintained a necessary distance.
His stated goals / rationale:
He frames RSS as a “service” and “voluntary organization,” rather than a political outfit.
He says he does not seek any office or position; the decision is about committing full-time service.
He also frames the decision partly as a response to criticisms or allegations about RSS being communal: “I joined the RSS in response to communal allegations.”
Reactions, Interpretations & Implications
The announcement has elicited a variety of reactions across political, media and public spheres. Below are some key strands:
Supportive / Neutral Views:
Ideological alignment & personal conviction:
Many have highlighted that Thomas’s move is consistent with what he has voiced earlier — i.e. that he admired RSS discipline and nationalist ideas. His statement that he “does not want positions, just work” is seen by supporters as sincere.
Strategic & symbolic dimensions:
Some analysts see this as a symbolic effort by the RSS and Sangh Parivar to deepen their presence in Kerala, especially during its centenary celebrations (RSS’s 100th year).
The selection of a high-profile former DGP to adopt full-time RSS work is viewed as raising the organization’s credibility among certain segments.
Framing as an answer to criticisms
Some see Thomas’s joining as a kind of counter-argument to allegations of communalism against RSS — i.e. a prominent Christian / a formerly non-political person is now joining.
Critical / Skeptical Views
Political motivations suspected:
Critics argue that the move may disguise political ambitions, or serve to boost BJP / RSS’s political agenda in Kerala, rather than being purely ideological or service-oriented. Some suggest that an ex-DGP joining RSS full-time may help project a stronger law-and-order image for the Sangh in Kerala politics.
Controversial past:
Given Thomas’s past controversies — e.g. land holdings, allegations, disciplinary probes — some critics point out that his joining RSS may bring baggage, and question whether his narrative of purity is fully credible.
Political / Societal Implications:
RSS / BJP in Kerala:
Kerala has historically been a challenging terrain for the BJP and Sangh movement, given strong competition from left and regional parties, and complex religious and social demography. Thomas’s move may signal an attempt to gain more traction by associating with respected (or well-known) public figures.
His joining during the RSS centenary year magnifies the symbolism.
For Christian community / minorities discourse:
Given Thomas’s religious/social background (he is Christian by faith), analysts see additional messaging—i.e. that RSS is open, non-sectarian, inclusive of people from minority communities (or wanting to project as such). Some media coverage emphasizes this angle.
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