Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar’s decision to establish 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas in the state is being viewed as more than a youth engagement initiative. While the govt has presented the sanghas as platforms for sports, culture, scientific temper and community service, political observers say the move also reflects Congress’ attempt to build a permanent grassroots network with a booth-level presence.The initiative has drawn comparisons with West Bengal’s neighbourhood para club model, which long played a key role in political mobilisation. Under the Left Front and later Trinamool Congress, para clubs evolved into influential local institutions that combined community activities with sustained political outreach.Unlike conventional party offices, para clubs organise football tournaments, blood donation camps, Durga Puja celebrations, cultural programmes and participate in relief work throughout the year. Their members often become the first point of contact for residents, helping political functionaries maintain engagement beyond election campaigns.The proposed Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas will function at gram panchayat and ward levels, providing young volunteers year-round involvement through sports, cultural and social activities while creating a structured local network.While the govt order did not assign them any political role, political observers say the organisational benefits for Congress are evident. Unlike BJP, which has a stronger grassroots cadre network, Congress has often struggled to sustain active local volunteers between elections, especially in rural areas.Political strategist MB Maramkal said Bengal’s experience demonstrates the value of sustained community engagement. “The strength of Bengal’s club culture lies in its year-round interaction with the community. Elections become only a part of a much larger social relationship,” he said.But the Bengal model also offers cautionary lessons. While para clubs strengthened grassroots mobilisation, they were also accused of functioning as informal centres of political authority by influencing neighbourhood affairs, mediating disputes and exercising control over civic activities. Allegations over links to construction syndicates, real estate brokerage and collection of informal donations later became a recurring political issue.Critics say the close relationship between political parties and neighbourhood clubs blurred the distinction between community organisations and political mobilisation. During elections, many para clubs were reported to have assisted in booth management, voter outreach, street meetings and campaign logistics.BJP has voiced similar concerns over Karnataka’s proposal. In a video on X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that Congress was using public money to strengthen its organisation. “This is basically an indirect way of paying state funds to Congress karyakartas,” he said.Political commentator Vishwas Shetty summed up, “Whether the Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas remain community organisations or gradually acquire a political character like Bengal’s para clubs will become clear over time. Their long-term credibility is likely to depend on whether they remain focused on public service while avoiding the controversies that came to surround Bengal’s neighbourhood club network.”
