Shah takes RSS help to strengthen party organization in Bengal
What's the story
Amit Shah, BJP's national president, who was on a three-day visit to West Bengal, expressed disappointment regarding the BJP's booth level organization. He urged BJP members to highlight issues criticizing the ruling TMC about "corruption, law and order and appeasement of minorities." He sought the RSS' help to expand the party's base. What does Shah have in mind for WB? Read on to know.
Unhappy
Why was Amit Shah not happy with BJP leaders?
Amit Shah pulled up the BJP's state leadership after he noticed that of the state's 75000 polling booths, only about 35000 booth-level committees had been formed. State BJP leaders were asked to find 294 vistaraks who would work at the local level to strengthen the party. They have reportedly found only 78 vistaraks. Shah expressed disappointment about these abysmal numbers.
RSS
How will the collaboration with the Sangh help?
Shah has allegedly sought the RSS' help to strengthen booth level organization. He said that better coordination between the RSS and BJP would help in dealing with issues such as minority appeasement and communal tension. Citing the prohibition of Durga idol immersion on Muharram day, Shah asserted that Sangh's cadres could raise awareness among people while BJP could look into the legal tangle.
Rise
What do the poll numbers indicate?
BJP has emerged as WB's main opposition in recent years. Considering vote share, in 2009 LS they won 16.4% seats, in 2014 LS 17.2% and in 2016 assembly 10.7%. It fared well in 2017 municipal elections winning six seats in three municipalities, coming second overall. BJP is reportedly aiming for 10 seats in the 2019 LS elections.
Potential
Is Mamata facing a formidable opponent in BJP?
In WB, regimes have ruled for long. After independence, Congress was overthrown by the Left only in 1977. The Left ruled for 34 years before Mamata came to power in 2011. Anti-incumbency against her isn't very strong yet. Moreover, BJP doesn't possess a "face" in WB who's a mass leader like Mamata. Despite Shah's efforts, the BJP may have a long way to go.