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By:

Uday Jogalekar

13 May 2026 at 3:25:14 pm

From Pracharak to Minister: My Memories of Dilipda

Long before he became a minister, Dilipda had already earned our respect through his simplicity, discipline, and warmth. In 2007, my job brought me to Kolkata. Once there, I began attending the local RSS shakha and gradually became involved in Sangh work. I first met Dilipda during a visit to a swayamsevak’s home. Coincidentally, that same year, he had been appointed to our division. As everyone introduced themselves, Dilipda casually asked me in Marathi, “How are you finding Bengal?” Hearing...

From Pracharak to Minister: My Memories of Dilipda

Long before he became a minister, Dilipda had already earned our respect through his simplicity, discipline, and warmth. In 2007, my job brought me to Kolkata. Once there, I began attending the local RSS shakha and gradually became involved in Sangh work. I first met Dilipda during a visit to a swayamsevak’s home. Coincidentally, that same year, he had been appointed to our division. As everyone introduced themselves, Dilipda casually asked me in Marathi, “How are you finding Bengal?” Hearing a Bengali pracharak — a full-time RSS worker devoted to organisational work — speak fluent Marathi came as a pleasant surprise to me. From that moment onwards, my interactions with Dilipda increased, and I gradually began to understand the many dimensions of his seemingly simple personality. Coming from Maharashtra, where Sangh work generally faced non-violent opposition, adapting to Bengal — where the opposition was often violent — was not easy. In that atmosphere, I learnt from Dilipda how to remain enthusiastic while also keeping fellow workers motivated and active. I often accompanied Dilipda during his visits to our area. He had a remarkable ability to blend effortlessly into any household, warmly enquire about every family member, and make everyone feel as though he were one of their own. Before being appointed to Kolkata, Dilipda had served as an RSS pracharak in the remote Andaman Islands from around 1999–2000 until 2007. Based in Port Blair, he worked under difficult conditions despite limited travel and communication facilities, diverse tribes speaking different languages, and a local mindset that often kept outsiders at a distance. He would often share positive experiences from his years in the Andamans but never once spoke about the hardships he endured. Despite working in such difficult conditions, he never mentioned his personal discomforts. This ability to remain free of complaints despite adversity is a hallmark of a pracharak, and Dilipda embodied it completely. He possessed the rare gift of finding positivity even in challenging situations. Excellent Cook In Bengal during 2007, Sangh work had not yet expanded to the scale it has reached today. At times, pracharaks had to cook their own meals, and this had made Dilipda an excellent cook. Whenever he returned to the city from his travels, our group would eagerly gather to enjoy his khichdi. Our area, Bidhannagar, was located in Salt Lake, a relatively prosperous locality. Adjacent to it were a few underprivileged settlements, and we would occasionally visit the nearby market. To reach the market from Salt Lake, one had to cross a wooden bridge, where the toll was 25 paise for pedestrians and one rupee for bicycles. Observing the difficulties faced by people in those settlements, Dilipda once suggested starting some sewa (service) activity there. That eventually led to the establishment of a homoeopathic clinic in the locality. While setting up the clinic, Dilipda effortlessly guided us through every stage of planning — what arrangements were needed, how the process should be structured, and what challenges might arise. It felt as though the entire plan was already mapped out in his mind. As the clinic became operational, we began noticing the educational difficulties faced by the local children. English, science, and mathematics were particularly challenging subjects for them, which eventually led to the start of a study centre. The idea of involving engineers from Salt Lake’s IT companies also came from Dilipda. Later, by bringing together IT professionals, an “IT Milan” initiative was started, and many of them eventually became swayamsevaks actively involved in Sangh work. Remarkable Ability At the time, the CPM government was in power in Bengal, and there were many obstacles to conducting shakha activities. Dilipda constantly guided us on overcoming these challenges. He had a remarkable ability to identify work that could bring meaningful change, plan it carefully, and execute it with determination and effectiveness. Whether it was service activities, daily shakha work, or handling sensitive cases related to “Love Jihad", Dilipda consistently displayed dedication, clarity of thought, a fighting spirit, and an unwavering readiness to work tirelessly toward the objective. What amazes me even today is that a pracharak like Dilipda — someone far ahead of us in age, experience, and accomplishments — would interact so casually and warmly with ordinary swayamsevaks like us, placing a hand on our shoulders and speaking as though he were a close friend. In 2009, I was transferred back to Mumbai, bringing my Kolkata chapter to an end. Later, in 2014, I learned that Dilipda had been given responsibility in the BJP. And now, in 2026, the BJP forming a government on its own strength speaks volumes about its contribution and leadership. Today, Dilipda has become a minister, and many titles and honours will naturally be associated with him. But to us, he will always remain simply "Dilipda". (The writer is an entrepreneur based in Kalwa, Thane.)

Assam, Bengal and the BJP’s New Political Geography

Assam and West Bengal signalled a broader political shift: traditional regional loyalties no longer guarantee voter allegiance.

The political landscape of eastern India has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade, culminating in significant electoral victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in states like Assam and, to a more complex extent, its rise as a dominant challenger in West Bengal. These developments are not isolated electoral outcomes but reflect deeper shifts in voter aspirations, identity politics, governance narratives, and national political strategy.


For decades, West Bengal and Assam followed distinct political trajectories. West Bengal was dominated by Left parties for over 30 years, followed by the rise of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee. Assam, on the other hand, alternated between the Indian National Congress and regional forces.


The BJP’s emergence in these states represents a break from entrenched political patterns. In Assam, the party successfully formed a government starting in 2016 and reinforced its position in subsequent elections. In West Bengal, while it did not capture power, it made unprecedented gains, becoming the principal opposition—a significant shift from its earlier marginal presence.


Assam’s political transformation in favour of the BJP can be attributed to a combination of strategic alliances, governance promises, and identity-based mobilisation.


One of the most critical factors was the focus on illegal immigration, a long-standing and sensitive issue in Assam. The BJP effectively tapped into concerns around demographic change and cultural identity, positioning itself as a protector of indigenous interests. This narrative resonated strongly with large sections of the electorate.


Leadership also played a key role. Figures like Himanta Biswa Sarma brought organisational strength, political acumen, and grassroots connect. His shift from the Congress to the BJP significantly weakened the opposition while strengthening the BJP's regional leadership.


Additionally, the BJP’s emphasis on infrastructure development, welfare schemes, and connectivity aligned with the aspirations of a younger electorate seeking economic growth and stability. Central government schemes were effectively localised, creating a perception of delivery and governance efficiency.


West Bengal presents a more nuanced picture. The BJP’s rise here is less about outright victory and more about a dramatic political expansion.


The party capitalised on anti-incumbency sentiments against the TMC, including allegations of corruption, governance fatigue, and political violence. It also worked to consolidate votes across communities that felt under-represented or dissatisfied.


A key strategy was the consolidation of Hindu votes across caste and class lines. The BJP framed its campaign around cultural identity, nationalism, and perceived appeasement politics by the ruling party. This ideological positioning helped it expand rapidly in rural and semi-urban areas.


Moreover, the BJP invested heavily in grassroots organisation, booth-level management, and cadre-building—areas where it had historically been weak in Bengal. The party also leveraged national leadership, particularly Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, to drive high-energy campaigns and voter outreach.


The BJP’s success in both states is also tied to broader national political trends. The party has effectively projected a strong central leadership, decisive governance, and a vision of national unity and development. This has helped it transcend regional barriers and appeal to voters beyond its traditional strongholds.


The use of technology, data-driven campaigning, and targeted messaging has further strengthened its electoral strategy. Social media outreach, direct benefit transfers, and narrative-building around nationalism have played significant roles in shaping voter perception.


Bigger Picture

The BJP’s gains in Assam and its rise in West Bengal carries several important implications.


First, they signal the party’s ability to expand geographically and challenge regional strongholds. This marks a shift from being perceived as a primarily Hindi-belt party to a truly pan-Indian political force.


Second, these outcomes reflect changing voter priorities. Issues like identity, governance, development, and national security are increasingly influencing electoral choices, sometimes outweighing traditional loyalties.

Third, the political competition in these states has intensified. In West Bengal, the emergence of a strong opposition has reshaped the political discourse, making elections more competitive and issue-driven.


The BJP’s electoral trajectory in Assam and West Bengal is a story of strategic expansion, ideological positioning, and organisational strength. In Assam, it represents the consolidation of power through governance and identity politics. In West Bengal, it marks the rise of a formidable challenger reshaping the state’s political dynamics for years to come.


Together, these developments highlight a broader transformation in Indian politics, where regional boundaries are becoming more permeable, and national narratives are increasingly influencing local outcomes.

 

(The writer is a BJP official based in Thane. Views personal.)


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