In a significant shift that is being closely watched in the context of West Bengal's political landscape, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to relax its century-old tradition—at least for one state. As the Sangh marks its centenary year, it will allow its West Bengal units to observe the annual Vijaya Dashami address of the Sarsanghchalak (chief) in a different format. Instead of holding elaborate gatherings on Vijaya Dashami as elsewhere in India, Bengal’s swayamsevaks will now assemble on Mahalaya—a move that many see as politically calibrated ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
The Sarsanghchalak’s address on Vijaya Dashami is the RSS’s most crucial annual event, offering a comprehensive analysis of its past year’s work and a clear roadmap for the future. This year, given the Sangh’s centenary milestone, the speech by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is expected to hold even deeper significance, particularly in outlining a revised vision for national "cultural integration"—a goal the RSS concedes it has yet to fully achieve.
Typically, massive RSS shakhas and related events are organised nationwide around this address. However, organising such events in Bengal during Vijaya Dashami has always posed challenges, as swayamsevaks are actively involved in Durga Puja festivities in their localities. In previous years, efforts were made nonetheless to hold scaled-down events, but this time the Sangh is formally offering an exemption.
According to Sangh insiders, all swayamsevaks in Bengal will still be required to listen to the Sarsanghchalak’s address, but no large-scale gatherings or road marches will be held on the actual day. On this day, the three provincial committees of the RSS in the state (North, Central, and South Bengal) will organise a joint gathering.
This centenary gathering will also include affiliates of the Sangh Parivar such as BMS, Shikshan Mandal, Sahakar Bharati, Shaikshik Mahasangh, Simanta Chetna and others. Even BJP members who are also swayamsevaks are expected to participate in these joint Mahalaya events across the state.
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With the 2026 assembly elections looming large, the Sangh’s decision is being interpreted by some as part of a broader electoral strategy.
The exact structure of the programme remains undecided. Provincial committees are scheduled to meet later this month to finalise plans, with an all-India RSS meeting set for July to seal the final event outline.
Whether this change will succeed in deepening the RSS’s foothold in Bengal remains to be seen, but the move already signals a notable blend of cultural accommodation and electoral calculus.
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