As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, scheduled for later this year, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has shifted its focus to the state. This comes soon after securing consecutive electoral victories in Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi.
Known for its organizational prowess and grassroots mobilization, the RSS is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retains power in Bihar. The Sangh cadre is expected to conduct over one lakh outreach meetings across the state to ensure a comeback of Nitish Kumar-led NDA government’s return to power. The Sangh’s effective voter outreach model, honed in Delhi with over 60,000 “drawing room meetings,” is being adapted for Bihar. The RSS is learnt to be deploying a multi-pronged approach dubbed “Mission Trishul” to clinch victory. The strategy is centred on three key pillars—identifying voter discontent, shaping the election narrative, and assessing electoral risks and benefits. This approach, termed “Mission Trishul,” mirrors the trident symbolizing strength and precision, reflecting the organization’s intent to penetrate Bihar’s complex socio-political landscape.
It is understood that booth-level surveys across Bihar have been initiated to identify discontented voters and the issues that matter most to them. This survey will identify weak polling stations and inform strategies to bolster voter turnout—a tactic that was successfully implemented in Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
By understanding local grievances like unemployment, infrastructure issues, or caste-based concerns, the aim is to tailor the BJP’s campaign to resonate with the electorate.
The outreach meetings will attempt to put in place a narrative that positions the BJP as the harbinger of progress and stability. This includes leveraging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and the alliance’s achievements under CM Nitish Kumar, such as infrastructure projects and welfare schemes.
The caste equations, alliance dynamics with other political allies in the state like Lok Janshakti Party and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will also be reviewed with a goal to fortify weak polling stations and optimize resource allocation.
As part of the public contact programs, Bihar has been divided into North and South Bihar for better organizational efficiency, allowing for targeted outreach.
These small-scale gatherings will focus on discussing local issues like governance, healthcare, and education while subtly promoting the BJP’s agenda. The organization’s cadre, known for its discipline and dedication, is expected to work tirelessly to unite voters under the saffron banner. The BJP’s recent triumphs in Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra have bolstered the saffron cadre’s morale.
Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls proved to be a crucial turn as it helped secure the alliance 30 of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, also ensuring the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return to power. The saffron front hopes to keep Bihar under its rule and successfully tackle the anti-incumbency against the Nitish Kumar government.
