In the recent past, the political arena within West Bengal has undergone some changes where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is encountering some difficulties from within. On the other hand, the RSS, which shares similar ideology with the BJP, has come forward to offer its help to the latter. It is an indication that the next chapter in the political history of Bengal is unfolding soon.
For a while now, BJP has been posing itself as a serious alternative government to the incumbent All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. In recent days however, the party has not been able to maintain its internal unity and ground-level presence due to internal differences among other factors. There has been talk of disagreements among the party’s leadership and defection. The local cadres who are supposed to represent the party among the common people are becoming less active and some leaving the organization altogether.
Given this development, it looks like RSS is taking up matters in its own hands to revive BJP. This will be done in view of RSS’s highly organized members and effective ground-level organization. They will engage themselves into activities like motivating the ground-level volunteers and connecting with the local people. This will help rejuvenate BJP and enhance its chances of success in future polls.
One of the important steps being taken in this regard is the increase in engagement levels at the booth level itself. The RSS is lending a hand in the process of training workers and coordinating things in a way that would make sure that the party is present across urban as well as rural landscapes. With the help of issues like employment, development, and law and order, the BJP intends to reestablish its position as an alternative to the TMC regime.
Another strategy that the BJP is adopting is that of internal reforms within the organization. There are attempts to sort out differences between party members. There are close consultations between the leaders of the BJP and RSS in order to avoid any kind of miscoordination.
On the other hand, the TMC remains well-positioned politically in West Bengal. Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the party retains a dedicated vote bank and an effective grip on the political infrastructure of the state. For the BJP, it becomes difficult as it has to address its internal problems, as well as put up a strong challenge to the ruling party.
Indeed, the involvement of the RSS is expected to be critical in determining what lies ahead for the BJP in West Bengal. Even though there might be some delays in realizing the results, eventually, the advantages of strength and people relations are likely to facilitate an easier process of recapturing lost territories by the party. However, much as the above approach can be beneficial to the BJP, it will ultimately depend on how the BJP deals with its affairs.
In summary, the recent events represent a major period for politics in West Bengal. With the BJP seeking to tackle its problems using the resources of the RSS, it remains to be seen how successful it will be in these endeavors.
