Did BJP Leader Dilip Ghosh Attend the Inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha and Meet Mamata?

Click to start listening
Did BJP Leader Dilip Ghosh Attend the Inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha and Meet Mamata?

Synopsis

In a dramatic turn of events, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh's attendance at the Jagannath temple inauguration in Digha has sparked controversy. Engaging with Mamata Banerjee at the temple, Ghosh's choices have led to accusations from fellow party members, raising questions about loyalty and priorities within the BJP in West Bengal.

Key Takeaways

  • Dilip Ghosh attended the inauguration of Lord Jagannath temple in Digha.
  • His visit has sparked internal controversies within the BJP.
  • Ghosh interacted with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the event.
  • Fellow party member criticized him for attending instead of a Hindu rally.
  • Ghosh defended his visit as non-political.

Kolkata, April 30 (NationPress) Controversies erupted within the West Bengal unit of the BJP as prominent leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh attended the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha, East Midnapore district, accompanied by his newly-wedded wife, Rinku Ghosh.

In addition to being present at the temple inauguration—designed to resemble the famed Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha—and participating in the Puja, Ghosh and his wife were spotted engaging amicably with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the temple grounds. Photos of this interaction have since gone viral on social media.

The controversy intensified as Ghosh chose to visit the temple instead of attending a religious rally organized by ‘Sanatani’ Hindus in Contai, just 35 kilometers away from Digha.

Leading the rally was the Opposition Leader in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

Ghosh's choices have drawn harsh criticism from fellow BJP member Saumitra Khan, a two-time Lok Sabha representative from Bishnupur constituency. In a Facebook post, Khan labeled Ghosh as “BJP’s shame in West Bengal.”

“Dilip Babu, you epitomize how a once-sacrificing individual can turn into a self-serving one,” Khan remarked. He further stated that Ghosh is following the path of expelled leaders like Babul Supriyo and Mukul Roy, who joined the Trinamool Congress afterward.

“It’s astonishing how shameless a self-proclaimed idealist can become. You are a disgrace to the BJP in West Bengal,” he added.

Meanwhile, Adhikari refrained from commenting on Ghosh’s actions, stating, “I will focus solely on the Hindu religion today. As the Leader of the Opposition, I won’t comment on any actions or statements from anyone other than the Chief Minister.”

The state BJP president and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, appeared visibly uncomfortable but attempted to mitigate the situation. “I understand Ghosh and his wife were personally invited to the event, which was their decision,” Majumdar clarified.

Ghosh himself stated that his visit to the Lord Jagannath temple was purely non-political.

Point of View

I observe that the political landscape in West Bengal continues to evolve with unexpected alliances and controversies. Ghosh's public interactions, particularly with Mamata Banerjee, reflect the intricate dynamics at play within the BJP. While criticisms arise, it is crucial to navigate these events with a nuanced understanding of political allegiances and voter sentiments.
NationPress
Apr 30, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Dilip Ghosh attend the temple inauguration?
Dilip Ghosh attended the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha at the invitation of the organizers, emphasizing that his visit was not politically motivated.
What was the reaction of his party members?
His actions drew criticism from fellow BJP member Saumitra Khan, who accused Ghosh of tarnishing the party's image in West Bengal.
Did Ghosh skip another important event?
Yes, Ghosh chose to attend the temple inauguration instead of a religious rally organized by ‘Sanatani’ Hindus in nearby Contai.
How did the state BJP president respond?
Sukanta Majumdar attempted to downplay the controversy, stating that Ghosh's attendance was a personal choice.
What did Ghosh say about the political nature of his visit?
Ghosh asserted that there was nothing political about his visit to the Lord Jagannath temple.