Is Dilip Ghosh Growing Apart from BJP's Bengal Leadership?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dilip Ghosh admits to a growing rift with BJP's leadership.
- His attendance at the temple inauguration has drawn criticism.
- Ghosh emphasizes his independence in scheduling events.
- Internal party tensions are evident among BJP members.
- Ghosh's comments signal potential shifts in party dynamics.
Kolkata, May 3 (NationPress) Dilip Ghosh, the former national vice president of the BJP and previous chief of the party's West Bengal unit, has recently stirred controversy by attending the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Digha, East Midnapore district, which was met with disapproval from party officials. On Saturday, he openly acknowledged the expanding divide between himself and the party’s state leadership, a reality that has persisted for some time.
In his remarks, Ghosh highlighted his lack of participation in the official activities of the BJP's state unit.
“When was the last time I attended an official event for the party? It’s been three years. I create my own agenda. I engage in social and religious events, and I am active in various non-political gatherings. I also maintain a daily dialogue with the media,” Ghosh stated during a press briefing on Saturday.
The controversy intensified after Ghosh attended the temple inauguration on April 30 with his newly wedded wife, Rinku Ghosh.
He was seen interacting amicably with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the event, with images and videos circulating widely on social media.
This led to harsh criticism from his party colleagues, including elected members like MPs and MLAs, who accused him of making concessions to the Chief Minister.
The state BJP president and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar remarked that Ghosh's participation in the inauguration was a personal decision and had no ties to the party.
“Those who have recently shown support for the BJP will voice their opinions. They are entitled to their views, but I prefer not to respond as I do not seek anyone's backing. Those who have migrated to the BJP from other parties are now making grand statements,” Ghosh commented.
While he refrained from naming anyone, it was evident that he was targeting Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who previously served as a two-time Lok Sabha member from the Trinamool Congress and was part of Banerjee's cabinet.
Adhikari switched to the BJP ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
In response to Ghosh's remarks, Adhikari chose to remain silent. “I have not commented on him for the past three days, and I won’t comment today either. I will address this in the future,” he stated.