RSS Throws Weight Behind Election Commission's Concerns on Bengal Infiltration and Punjab Drug Crisis

In a significant political development, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has thrown its considerable weight behind the Election Commission of India's (EC) escalating concerns over two critical national issues: rampant illegal infiltration in West Bengal and the persistent, debilitating drug crisis plaguing Punjab.

This endorsement from the ideologically influential saffron organization is being widely perceived as a major "shot in the arm" for the Election Commission, bolstering its efforts to uphold electoral integrity and address grave socio-political challenges.

Sources reveal that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat articulated these profound concerns during a recent, high-level internal coordination meeting with senior BJP leaders.

Bhagwat's intervention underscored the severity of these issues, which the EC has repeatedly highlighted as potential threats to fair elections and national security. The RSS's public backing now adds an undeniable layer of political gravitas to the EC's proactive stance, effectively putting greater pressure on state administrations to tackle these problems head-on.

The Election Commission has, for some time, been vocal about the challenges posed by cross-border infiltration, particularly along West Bengal's porous borders.

This influx is not merely a demographic shift but raises serious questions about national security, resource strain, and its potential to distort electoral outcomes. The EC has reportedly issued stringent directives for enhanced vigilance and special monitoring in these border areas to prevent any undue influence on the electoral process.

Similarly, the drug menace in Punjab has been a persistent nightmare for the state, affecting its youth, economy, and social fabric.

The EC has expressed deep apprehension that the illicit drug trade could be weaponized to influence voters during elections, creating an uneven playing field and compromising the democratic process. The RSS's alignment with these concerns amplifies the urgency for comprehensive strategies to combat this crisis effectively.

It's worth noting that these very issues were previously on the agenda during a crucial meeting between the Election Commission and the Union Home Secretary.

This consistent focus from both the EC and now the RSS signals a concerted effort from key institutions to address what are seen as existential threats to certain regions of the country and the integrity of its democratic exercises. The RSS's backing is not just symbolic; it lends a powerful moral and political authority to the EC's mandate, empowering it further in its mission to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the nation.