RSS’s long march in Bengal culminates in BJP’s triumph
The recent electoral victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal marks a significant milestone in the region's political landscape. As Suvendu Adhikari took the oath as the state's first BJP chief minister, this event was not merely a triumph at the polls but a culmination of decades of groundwork laid by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS's deep-rooted presence in Bengal, which began with relief efforts for Hindu refugees after Partition, has evolved into a formidable political force, reshaping local society through community networks and identity-driven outreach. Historically, Bengal's political scene was dominated by the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which maintained a stronghold from 1977 to 2011, focusing on class mobilization. During this period, the BJP's influence remained minimal, with only a marginal vote share. However, the decline of the Left and the rise of the Trinamool Congress created an opening for the RSS to translate its organizational strength into electoral success. By 2021, the BJP had established itself as a principal opposition party, significantly increasing its vote share to over 38%. The 2026 elections further solidified this transformation, with the BJP's vote share climbing to approximately 45.8%. This shift indicates that the RSS's long-term efforts to engage with local communities and build grassroots connections have finally borne fruit. The BJP's campaign, led by prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effectively combined identity-linked themes with pressing governance issues, appealing to a broader demographic, including youth and women. This strategic localization of their message has helped the BJP to overcome perceptions of being an external force, establishing it as a key player in West Bengal's evolving political narrative.
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