Gurugram, Apr 14 (Agencies): April 14 marked the end of much controversial Togadia era in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad as in the polls for the organisation's international president, held for the first time in 52 years, Togadia's aide Raghav Reddy lost to former Himachal Pradesh governor VS Kokje.

Togadia was not contesting the election which was held in Gurgaon on Friday but its outcome will affect him directly, said sangh sources. "It is the working president who effectively leads the organisation. Togadia has held the position since December 2011, when he was nominated by his loyalist Reddy, who took over as president the same month. With a third person now, it is clear he will have no say over the organisation anymore," a person familiar with the matter said.

Himachal Pradesh Governor and Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje who defeated Reddy is seen as someone the RSS was backing. He has also headed the RSS affiliate Bharat Vikas Parishad in the past.

Immediately after the polls, an upset Togadia said he will work for the welfare of "100 crore Hindus" by floating his own organisation called Hindu Hi Aage (Hindu is ahead). Terming the polls as "one kind of a disagreement" VHP's deputy general secretary Surendra Jain said, "it should be forgotten and the focus should be on the future."

VHP, founded in the sixties was in the forefront of the Ram Mandir agitation and protesting against the conversions of Dalits across the country.

Togadia had informally been the leader of the VHP since 2003 and was formally appointed to the top executive position of the group, the International Working President, in 2011. A surgeon who hails from Gujarat and is known for his provocative and incendiary speeches, Togadia, it is believed is not known to share a good working relationship with PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, both of whom have been associated with the RSS.

Earlier this week VHP president G Raghava Reddy alleged that the list of voters to choose the VHP's new president. Prior to the VHP election, Praveen Togadia had said that is he was not given the responsibility again, he will go back to his medical practice but will fight for the construction of the Ram temple.He had also questioned as to why the current international president, Raghav Reddy who is only 61 years old not be made the chair the third time.

Some months ago, Pravin Togadia had alleged that he was being targeted by agencies from Rajasthan and Gujarat and the Centre. In a dramatic turn of events he had disappeared and then appeared, after which he was in the hospital for some days, where Patidar leader Hardik Patel and Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia visited him. This, and Togadia's statements in the last few months, all critical of the Modi's government's moves had made it clear that Togadia was fighting a lone battle. RSS sources said while they "admired and respected Togadia's work in mobilising Hindus and making them aware of their rights, they did not approve of his behaviour to openly call out the government."

"This blatant anti-Narendra Modi and anti-BJP stance is not the style of the sangh now. Now, it knows how crucial it is to remain relevant by being critical of policy when needed but not losing sight of politics in the country," a senior leader said. He added that the RSS “was not completely in sync with the Modi government on policy issues but believes in putting out its feedback in proper channels."

The plan to oust Togadia was going on for some time, said senior leaders. With just about a year left for Lok Sabha elections, the decision to replace Togadia is also important as the Ayodhya temple judgement is expected to be a critical poll issue in the coming days.