Asim Kumar Mitra, the RSS spokesman in Bengal, told The Indian Express: “Our views are not always identical with that of the BJP. The problems in places like Lalgarh and Darjeeling cropped up because of gross underdevelopment. But we are opposed to any division of West Bengal. This will not solve any problem.”

While Darjeeling MP and former BJP leader Jaswant Singh openly supports the Gorkhaland demand, other BJP leaders have lent their support in various ways. The state BJP maintains silence when asked for its opinion on the issue. The state RSS is now gearing up for the visit of Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagawat who will be visiting Kolkata on January 22 and will address a rally at Shahid Minar the next day.

This is the first time Bhagawat is coming to West Bengal after he took over as the RSS chief.

“The country is going through a very critical time and our sarsanghachalak is visiting various parts of the country to spread the ideals of the Sangh and what Swayamsevaks should do at this time. Here he will have interactive sessions with top leaders who will guide us,” said Ajit Kumar Biswas, a senior pracharak and one of the organisers of Bhagavat’s rally.