RSS Weekly Warns Bengal BJP Against Ex-TMC Entrants, Flags Image Concerns

The RSS Bengali weekly Swastika has cautioned the BJP against inducting former Trinamool Congress (TMC) members in West Bengal, alleging that some new entrants are damaging the party’s image. In its October 12 issue, the magazine urged the BJP to remove what it described as “garbage” from its ranks. The warning comes amid allegations of extortion and anti-party activities involving some BJP workers. The magazine alleged that unruly elements from the TMC were joining the BJP and tarnishing its reputation. The article mentions BJP as a party of “bhadraloks” (gentlemen), which has dislodged thieves from office clearly implying TMC. However, there is a concerted effort to break that image of BJP, the article claimed. Cautioning senior BJP leadership against the entry of “rowdies”, Swastika claimed these elements were exploiting the restraint shown by party leaders and workers to undermine the organisation’s standing. Concerns have also been raised over whether chief minister Suvendu Adhikari’s government is taking adequate measures to promote its developmental work, amid Opposition parties allegedly spreading propaganda against it. The magazine had issued a similar warning in August, cautioning that the BJP risked losing voter support if people began viewing it as another version of the TMC. It was then claimed that even if 2% voters feel that the present BJP is a replica of the Trinamool thugs who governed the state for 15 years, 90% voters will shift from BJP. The article urged the BJP to remove the five per cent of “thugs” who had allegedly entered its ranks. The warnings indicate that the RSS is closely monitoring the BJP’s functioning. The organisation played a pivotal role in spreading Hindutva ideology across the state through its shakhas.