The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is set to significantly ramp up its campaign for social harmony, specifically targeting the politically sensitive states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The organization's strategy involves organizing large-scale 'sahbhoj' or community feasts that bring together people from all castes, particularly in areas where recent incidents have highlighted deep-seated caste divisions.
Targeted Outreach and Dalit Engagement
According to VHP sources, the push for 'samajik samrasta' (social harmony) includes a focused outreach towards Dalit communities. This will be achieved by conducting workshops and events on the birth and death anniversaries of revered Dalit icons such as Sant Ravi Das, Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The move is seen as an attempt to engage with a demographic whose narrative has traditionally been shaped by non-saffron groups.
The VHP has directed its cadre to mobilize participation from all castes and communities for these events. Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson for VHP, emphasized the urgency, stating, "There is an urgent need to step up efforts on the social harmony front, especially in states where caste divides have been sharp. We will mobilise cadre to intensify the campaign in the coming days."
Electoral Calculus and Political Context
Political experts note that the choice of states is strategically significant. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal are regions where caste fault lines are not only socially prominent but also politically potent. The timing aligns closely with upcoming electoral challenges.
West Bengal faces assembly elections in a few months, while Uttar Pradesh is scheduled for panchayat polls next year, followed by the crucial state assembly elections in 2027. This initiative follows the recent appeal for Hindu unity made by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during its centenary year celebrations. Social harmony is one of the five pillars of social transformation championed by the Sangh Parivar.
Building on Past Campaigns and Countering Opposition
This is not the VHP's first such campaign. In October of last year, just before Valmiki Jayanti, the organization launched a similar nationwide drive. Over four days, it reached out to Dalit communities at 10,000 locations across India through sahbhoj, 'kanya pujan', and 'samrasta yagya'. In Uttar Pradesh alone, events were held in at least 500 locations.
The renewed focus is also viewed as a response to the political challenges faced by the saffron camp. An assertive opposition has been pushing its PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) poll narrative, which notably impacted the BJP's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in UP, reducing its seat tally from 62 to 33. The VHP's harmony campaign is perceived as an effort to consolidate the Hindu vote bank by bridging internal caste divisions ahead of these pivotal electoral battles.
