Bharat Jodo Sanghas signal Congress push for Bengal-style grassroots network

Chief minister DK Shivakumar established 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas in Karnataka at gram panchayat and ward levels.

The sanghas are presented as platforms for sports, culture, scientific temper, and community service, but are seen as an attempt to build a permanent grassroots network for Congress.

The initiative draws comparison with West Bengal's para club model, which combined community activities with sustained political outreach under the Left Front and Trinamool Congress.

Political observers note Congress has historically struggled with sustained local volunteer engagement between elections, unlike BJP's stronger grassroots cadre.

The Bengal model also faced criticism for para clubs becoming informal centres of political authority, with links to syndicates and real estate brokerage.