RSS single-handedly behind the victory of BJP in Bengal

Omkar Dattatray

The disciplined, silent and firebrand patriotic gross root workers of the Swayam Savek Sangh were pivotal in ensuring the landslide victory of the BJP in West Bengal. There is absolutely no doubt about the role and contribution of RSS cadres in the emphatic win of the saffron party in Bengal. It were the disciplined volunteers of the RSS who were solely behind the performance and success of the BJP in the citadel of TMC & Mamata Banerjee. There is no exaggeration in stating that in these crucial assembly elections of West Bengal, it was the RSS which single handedly helped the BJP in disseminating TMC fortes and making a significant political debut in Bengal. The silent, invisible force of RSS worked wonders and propelled BJP to power in West Bengal. RSS volunteers, their strategy and Modi magic turned Bengal into saffron land by ensuring win of BJP in crucial assembly elections in the state. Sangh’s strategic voter awareness campaigns and grassroot efforts significantly contributed to the BJP’s performance in West Bengal assembly elections.

            Key Points of RSS’s role

A—RSS conducted voter awareness campaigns across West Bengal before the assembly elections.

B—RSS volunteers held small group meetings in nook and corner of the state to encourage voting without fear.

C—RSS provided feedback to the BJP on public sentiment and rival strategies.

D—RSS supported victims of post-poll violence, offering legal aid and assistance.

F—-RSS expanded its base in West Bengal by addressing local issues and standing with the people.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [RSS] carried out large-scale voter awareness campaigns across West Bengal during the run up to the assembly elections, while its volunteer’s held lakhs of small group meetings with the people in every nook and cranny of the state, exhorting them to cast their vote without any fear this time. The RSS volunteers also kept their ears to the ground and gave valuable feedback to the BJP on the people’s pulse and the rivals moves to help the party fine-tune its poll strategy.

                            RSS Volunteers Contribution to BJP’s Success—

‘’They really worked so hard,’’ a senior BJP leader told PTI, acknowledging the RSS volunteer’s contribution in the party’s success in breaching Mamata Banerjee –led ruling TMC fort in West Bengal. With the formation of BJP government, West Bengal will start marching on the path of progress and reclaim its ‘lost glory.’ ‘’We worked round the clock on the ground and reached out to people with our message. The BJP also worked hard to achieve this success,’’ RSS activist said, adding that the party and Sangh volunteers worked in proper coordination across all levels. During polls, RSS workers carried out large-scale voter awareness campaigns and also held nearly two lakh meetings with people in small groups across the state.

The political landscape of West Bengal has long been shaped by ideological contestation, cultural identity, and grassroots mobilization. In recent years, the electoral gains of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state have triggered intense debate about the underlying forces contributing to this shift. Among the many factors discussed, the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has emerged as a subject of particular interest, given its historical commitment to organizational discipline, cadre-building, and ideological propagation. The RSS, founded in 1925, has traditionally functioned as a socio-cultural organization rather than a political party. However, its indirect influence on electoral politics—especially through its ideological alignment with the BJP—cannot be overlooked. In West Bengal, where politics has historically been dominated by leftist ideologies and later by regional forces like the Trinamool Congress, the RSS’s gradual expansion has been both strategic and persistent. Its role has not been one of overt political campaigning alone, but rather of cultivating a long-term socio-political ecosystem conducive to ideological transformation.

One of the most significant contributions of the RSS in West Bengal has been its grassroots outreach. Through its network of shakhas, or local branches, the organization has penetrated semi-urban and rural areas where political consciousness often evolves through direct personal engagement rather than abstract narratives. These shakhas serve as spaces for ideological education, community bonding, and the dissemination of a particular vision of national identity. Over time, such consistent engagement has helped the RSS establish a loyal base of individuals who may not formally identify as political workers but who contribute to shaping electoral outcomes through their influence in local communities. The socio-cultural dimension of the RSS’s work in West Bengal has also played a crucial role. The organization has actively engaged in activities such as relief work during natural disasters, educational initiatives, and health camps. These efforts, while ostensibly apolitical, create a reservoir of goodwill and trust among local populations. In a state prone to cyclones and flooding, such as West Bengal, timely intervention during crises often leaves a lasting impression, subtly reinforcing the organization’s presence and credibility.

Another important aspect is the ideological narrative that the RSS has sought to promote. In West Bengal, this has involved emphasizing themes of cultural nationalism, historical reinterpretation, and identity politics. The organization has attempted to position itself as a guardian of what it perceives as indigenous cultural values, thereby appealing to sections of society that feel marginalized or overlooked by existing political frameworks. This narrative has found resonance particularly among younger voters and first-time participants in the electoral process, who may be more receptive to alternative political discourses.

The RSS has also been instrumental in cadre development, which is essential for sustaining political momentum. Elections are not won solely through high-profile campaigns; they require meticulous booth-level management, voter outreach, and organizational coordination. The disciplined structure of the RSS has enabled the BJP to benefit from a pool of trained volunteers who are adept at mobilizing support, managing logistics, and ensuring voter turnout. In many constituencies across West Bengal, this organizational efficiency has translated into tangible electoral gains. Furthermore, the RSS’s emphasis on ideological commitment has contributed to a sense of purpose among its members. Unlike conventional political workers who may be driven by immediate incentives, RSS volunteers often view their participation as part of a broader mission. This distinction can be crucial during intense electoral battles, where motivation and resilience play a decisive role. The ability to sustain enthusiasm over prolonged periods gives the organization an edge in maintaining continuity and focus.

However, it is important to recognize that the RSS’s influence is not the sole factor behind electoral outcomes in West Bengal. Political dynamics are inherently complex and shaped by multiple variables, including governance issues, leadership appeal, economic conditions, and the strategies of competing parties. The BJP’s rise in the state has also been facilitated by factors such as anti-incumbency sentiments, organizational expansion, and effective communication strategies. The RSS operates within this broader context, complementing rather than exclusively determining political success. Critics of the RSS argue that its ideological agenda may contribute to polarization, particularly in a diverse and culturally rich state like West Bengal. They contend that the emphasis on identity-based narratives can deepen social divisions and alter the historically pluralistic ethos of the region. Supporters, on the other hand, view the organization as a unifying force that seeks to instil discipline, patriotism, and a sense of cultural pride. This divergence in perspectives underscores the contentious nature of the RSS’s role in contemporary politics.

The evolution of West Bengal’s political environment also reflects a broader national trend, where traditional strongholds of certain ideologies are being challenged by new entrants. In this context, the RSS’s long-term approach to societal engagement provides a template for understanding how ideological organizations can influence electoral politics without directly contesting elections. Its model of combining cultural work with organizational discipline offers insights into the mechanics of political transformation. In conclusion, the RSS has played a significant, albeit indirect, role in shaping the electoral trajectory of West Bengal. Through its grassroots outreach, socio-cultural initiatives, ideological narratives, and cadre development, the organization has contributed to creating conditions favourable for the BJP’s electoral gains. At the same time, its influence operates alongside a multitude of other factors that collectively determine political outcomes. The case of West Bengal illustrates how sustained organizational efforts, when aligned with broader political strategies, can gradually alter the contours of a region’s political landscape. To cut a long storey short, it was the RSS which was behind the victory of BJP in West Bengal and it is a settled fact and no one can deny it.

(The author is a columnist, social, KP activist & a freelancer)