“RSS’s Subtle Hindutva Push in Bengal: Strategy for Victory or Seeds of Defeat?”, Hindu Existence, March 09, 2026
“West Bengal’s elections have historically been loud spectacles. Streets fill with processions, walls become battlegrounds of posters, loudspeakers echo slogans late into the night, and rival camps confront each other openly. But as the state moves toward the 2026 Assembly election, a different political rhythm appears to be taking shape — one that is quieter, less visible, yet potentially far-reaching.
Across several districts, networks associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have been conducting a form of grassroots outreach that avoids traditional campaign theatrics. Instead of public rallies and stage speeches, organisers are focusing on small gatherings inside homes, tea stalls, neighbourhood clubs and temple courtyards. The effort is often described internally as “Jagaran” — an awakening — a term that frames the activity as cultural or social awareness rather than overt electoral mobilisation.
Yet beneath this softer language lies a clear political narrative. Conversations in these meetings frequently revolve around themes of Hindu identity, perceived neglect, and the need for greater unity among Bengali Hindus. The message does not usually arrive as a direct call for votes but rather as a gradual effort to reshape how communities interpret their social and political surroundings……”
Read full article at hinduexistence.org
