Former CBI Chief Nageswara Rao Launches Sarvajana Sanatana Party in Varanasi

Former Central Bureau of Investigation interim director M. Nageswara Rao has entered electoral politics by launching the Sarvajana Sanatana Party from Varanasi.

Leadership and Vision

Rao, a retired 1986-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Odisha cadre, serves as the national president of the new outfit. Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is the chief mentor and spiritual guide of the party. Rao stated that he accepted this role after turning down similar offers twice before. Other prominent office bearers include national vice president Mahant Tirthanand, vice president Ritu Rathod, general secretary Raja Saksham Singh Yogi, spokesperson Babita Sharma, Uttar Pradesh incharge Rakesh Tiwari, and organisation minister Narnarayan Singh. The party's guiding motto translates to modern India with its Sanatan civilisational roots. Its stated goals include protecting temples and pilgrimage centers while pushing for free quality education, universal health care, and support for youth, farmers, workers, and small businesses without discrimination based on caste or region.

Election Plans

The newly formed organization plans to field candidates in upcoming state polls across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur, and Uttarakhand. Party leaders are also open to alliances with other pro-Hindu groups for the 2027 elections. Despite leading the outfit, Rao confirmed he will not contest any assembly or parliamentary seats himself, choosing instead to act as a mentor.

Context

Launching a political party from Varanasi highlights the symbolic importance of cultural and spiritual centers in national politics. The entry of retired civil servants into the political sphere often brings administrative experience directly into party leadership roles.