Former Kerala Police Chief Jacob Thomas Joins RSS as Full-Time Pracharak, Signaling a Political Shift in the State
In a landmark move poised to spark intense political and social discourse across Kerala, Jacob Thomas, former Director General of Kerala Police (Retd. IPS: 1985: KL), has announced that he is joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time pracharak (campaigner). This decision marks a significant departure from conventional post-retirement paths for senior bureaucrats and sets a new precedent in Kerala’s political landscape.
Participation in RSS Padhasanchalan in Official Ganavesham
Jacob Thomas will formally step into his new role on October 1, 2025, by participating in the RSS Padhasanchalan (route march) at Pallikkara in Ernakulam district, dressed in the official RSS uniform, known as Ganavesham. His public appearance in the uniform is seen as a symbolic affirmation of his commitment to the organization’s values and mission.
A Deep and Long-Standing Association with RSS
Revealing the roots of his decision, Thomas stated that his association with the RSS spans several decades, long before his career in the Indian Police Service. He emphasized his admiration for the discipline, selfless service, and patriotism of RSS cadres, noting that he has maintained close contact with the organization’s top leadership, including Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.
“I have been associated with the RSS for decades. It was the discipline and selfless service of its cadres that drew me to the organization. They are truly patriotic, and I have never met an RSS cadre who prioritizes personal gain. I believe there is no other organization in the world that demonstrates such dedication and devotion to the nation,” Thomas said in his statement.
His remarks reflect not just professional respect but a profound ideological alignment with the RSS’s principles of service, discipline, and nationalism.
Continuity from His IPS Career
During his tenure as an IPS officer, Jacob Thomas maintained a discreet yet meaningful association with the RSS, despite serving in one of Kerala’s most high-profile law enforcement roles. His decision to become a full-time pracharak after retirement is viewed as a natural extension of this long-standing engagement.
Clarifying his intent, Thomas said:
“I have conveyed my willingness to work as a full-time pracharak of the RSS, and it is for the organization to decide how best to utilize my services.”
RSS’s Outreach to Kerala’s Christian Community
This development coincides with the RSS and BJP’s ongoing efforts to expand their influence among Kerala’s Christian community. The state has long remained a stronghold of left-liberal politics dominated by the Congress and CPM, while the BJP has struggled to secure a substantial presence. By inducting a respected Christian figure such as Jacob Thomas, the RSS appears to be broadening its outreach beyond its traditional support base.
Political and Social Reactions
Thomas’s announcement has already triggered a wave of reactions across Kerala. Critics argue that the move represents a calculated political strategy aimed at reshaping Kerala’s political fabric, while supporters hail it as evidence of the growing resonance of the RSS’s ideology of nationalism, discipline, and service.
His transition from a law enforcement role to ideological activism reflects a broader trend across India, where retired bureaucrats and officers are entering active political and social movements. Analysts suggest that his presence could strengthen the RSS’s credibility and visibility in Kerala, particularly among minority communities.
A Reputation for Integrity and Outspokenness
Throughout his policing career, Jacob Thomas earned widespread respect for his integrity, fearlessness, and uncompromising approach to duty. Known for his strong stance against corruption and his efforts to reform Kerala’s police system, he often stood apart for his bold, outspoken style. For many, his decision to join the RSS underscores his willingness to follow personal conviction, even if it invites controversy.
