Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Jungle Raj: Memory Politics in Bihar and Bengal
In India, the term 'Jungle Raj' is being used in political campaigns.
It refers to a time in Bihar when there was a lot of crime and chaos.
Even young people who didn't live through that time are influenced by stories and memories shared by their families and through social media.
Now, the BJP is using a similar term, 'Maha Jungle Raj,' to criticize the current government in West Bengal.
This shows how memories from the past can shape present-day politics.
The BJP's strategy in Bihar, where fears of Jungle Raj helped them win, is now being applied to the upcoming elections in Bengal, where memories of partition also play a role in political narratives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched BJP's campaign in West Bengal using 'Maha Jungle Raj' to criticize TMC's rule.
Jungle Raj refers to a period in Bihar (1990-2005) marked by law and order issues under RJD's rule.
BJP's victory in Bihar elections was influenced by voters' fears of a return to Jungle Raj.
Gen Z voters in Bihar, despite not experiencing Jungle Raj, are influenced by collective and prosthetic memories.
Memory politics will play a significant role in the upcoming West Bengal elections, with references to partition and Jungle Raj.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP, TMC, Bihar and Bengal voters
- What
- Political campaign using the term 'Jungle Raj' to criticize law and order
- When
- Upcoming West Bengal elections and recent Bihar elections
- Where
- Bihar and West Bengal, India
- Why
- To tap into voters' fears and shape political narratives based on collective memory
- Term Origin
- Coined by a Patna High Court judge in 1997
- Jungle Raj Period
- 1990-2005 under RJD rule in Bihar
- Bihar Election Impact
- NDA's victory influenced by Jungle Raj fears
- Gen Z Influence
- 1 in 4 Bihar voters are Gen Z, 1.5 million first-time voters
- Memory Transmission
- Collective and prosthetic memory play significant roles
- Bengal Context
- Memory of partition shaping political narratives
- BJP's Campaign
- Using 'Maha Jungle Raj' against TMC in Bengal elections
- Media Influence
- YouTube, social media, and OTT shows spreading Jungle Raj memories