Studies in indian Politics, Volume 11, Issue 2
https://doi.org/10.1177/23210230231203769
Abstract
This
article strives to explore the ways in which the politics of Hindutva,
as represented by the Sangh Parivar, permeated new organizational and
ideological spaces in Bengal following the Lok Sabha election of 2014.
The article specifically delves into the case of the Bharat Sevashram
Sangha, a significant Hindu spiritual and philanthropic entity in
Bengal. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha and the Sangh-Parivar represent
distinct but interconnected manifestations of the broader Hindutva
ideology. With a focus on the Bharat Sevashram Sangha’s position on the
configuration of Hindutva, this article revolves around deciphering the
intricate interplay between religion and politics within the context of
the Bharat Sevashram Sangha’s engagement with the Hindu right-wing
organizations. Moreover, the article seeks to unveil how the Bharat
Sevashram Sangha’s spiritual and cultural visions converged with a
strategic political consciousness and potentially paved the way for the
emergence of new opportunities for right-wing political forces within
the state.
