With the crucial 2026 West Bengal assembly elections on the horizon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations. In a significant move, the state unit of the BJP has initiated a comprehensive process to deploy "vistaraks" (full-time workers) across all 294 constituencies in the state. However, this time, becoming a 'vistarak' is not just about party loyalty; it involves clearing a test to assess their knowledge and understanding of the party's ideology.

The 'Vistarak' Program: Strengthening Roots

The 'vistarak' program isn't new to the BJP. It's a strategy that has been previously employed to strengthen the party's presence at the grassroots level. The core idea is to have dedicated party workers embedded in each constituency, working to connect with the local population, understand their concerns, and promote the BJP's vision. In the past, Amit Shah, a key figure in the BJP, launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Vistarak Yojana, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the party at the booth level. He also took on the role of a 'vistarak' himself in various states, including West Bengal.

This time around, the BJP seems to be taking a more structured and meticulous approach to the selection process. The party aims to complete the deployment of 'vistaraks' by the end of September 2025. These 'vistaraks' will then be tasked with gathering ground-level information on the political and social climate in their respective constituencies. This information will be crucial for the party's state leadership to finalize the poll and campaign strategies for each constituency.

The Test: Assessing Ideological Grounding

What sets this 'vistarak' selection process apart is the introduction of a test. According to a state committee member, the party will give preferences to graduates with substantial knowledge of the party's history. Those with a proven track record as a "vistarak" will also be favored. To ensure that the selected 'vistaraks' are well-versed in the party's principles, a written test will be conducted, followed by a group discussion for those who clear the written exam. This process aims to evaluate the candidates' understanding of the BJP's political path, policies, and ideology.

Rathindranath Bose, the state BJP vice-president, explained that the goal is to assess how much the potential 'vistaraks' know about the party. He clarified that it's not exactly a written exam, but rather a process to understand the depth of their knowledge about the party. Many candidates will submit their answers in writing, which will be evaluated. Those selected will then undergo a two-day training camp.

The Rationale: Avoiding Favoritism

The decision to introduce a test and group discussion stems from past experiences where allegations of nepotism arose during the selection of 'vistaraks'. Questions were raised about the competence and qualifications of some appointees. By implementing a more professional and merit-based approach, the BJP hopes to address these concerns and ensure that the most capable individuals are chosen for the role. The BJP has entrusted Rathindranath Bose, one of the state unit's vice-presidents, with the responsibility of overseeing this 'vistarak' selection process.

Looking Ahead

The BJP's focus on deploying qualified and ideologically sound 'vistaraks' underscores the party's commitment to strengthening its presence in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 elections. By gathering detailed ground-level information and tailoring campaign strategies to each constituency, the BJP hopes to improve its performance in the upcoming elections. With the elections drawing closer, this strategic move could prove crucial in shaping the political landscape of West Bengal.