Bhagwat is setting off for a three-day tour to the state starting Saturday. He is expected to discuss the prevalent social and political scenario of the state during his visit. He will also meet some key figures of Bengal, some of whom are associated with the work of the Sangh for long. Its not yet clear whether he will visit them personally or meet them at a congregation at a Salt Lake residence of RSS cadre.
On Sunday, Bhagwat will chair an 'organisational meeting' that will be key. The meeting will take place at Keshav Bhavan, which houses the Sangh's regional headquarters, with selected RSS leaders of Bengal to discuss how to expand the RSS in Bengal.
So far, VHP, a key affiliate of the RSS has been extremely active in the state, particularly in districts like Purulia, Bankura, and Medinipur. The result was also reflected in the Panchayat election where the BJP won Purulia and later in the 2019 general election when it won 18 seats.
But the RSS has not gone full throttle so far. The visit of Bhagwat and his meeting to expand the organization in the state is construed as a signal that RSS activity in Bengal will only increase in the coming months.
The RSS chief wants at least one 'Shakha' in each block of West Bengal. And where there is already one in a block, he wants that to multiply, say sources.
Interestingly, Bhagwat will not address any public gathering. But in January 2017, the Kolkata Police had denied permission for the RSS chief's rally in the Kolkata. Following that even a government-owned auditorium had cancelled the booking for an RSS event where Bhagwat was slated to deliver a speech.
In December 2014, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) rally in Kolkata was also denied permission by the state police. Bhagwat was scheduled to speak at the event. Later the High Court had to intervene.
As the TMC and the BJP are fighting a fierce political battle in Bengal, this visit of Bhagwat holds huge significance.
( With inputs from IANS )