Dilip Ghosh: Mamata would deal with Yamdoot to survive, CJP no different
Synopsis
Bengal's BJP minister Dilip Ghosh says Mamata Banerjee, who has backed the CJP's demand to oust Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, would 'deal with Yamdoot' to save her political existence — a sharp escalation in state politics just as corporation elections loom in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
Dilip Ghosh , West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister, on 3 October attacked Mamata Banerjee for backing the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Ghosh said Banerjee 'would even strike a deal with Yamdoot' to preserve her political existence, referencing her past alliances with Congress and CPI(M).
He defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) , citing a Supreme Court directive and arguing it is essential for national security and voter-roll integrity.
Ghosh dismissed the INDIA bloc protest as an attempt to manufacture an issue ahead of West Bengal corporation elections.
He insisted Gyanesh Kumar holds a constitutional post and cannot be removed by political pressure, urging the Opposition to prepare for elections instead.
West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Saturday, 3 October launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her decision to back the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in its protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
What Dilip Ghosh Said
Speaking to reporters in the morning, Ghosh delivered a pointed rebuke: 'She has supported the Congress all this time, revived the CPI(M) (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and, to save her own existence, she would even strike a deal with ‘Yamdoot’... what is CJP then?' The remark drew immediate attention for its colourful reference to the Hindu mythological figure of death, implying Banerjee would align with any political force to preserve her relevance.
Context: Mamata's Support for CJP
The minister's comments came a day after Mamata Banerjee publicly extended her support to the CJP and added her voice to demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Critics of Banerjee, including Ghosh, argue these positions reflect political opportunism rather than principled opposition. Notably, Banerjee's All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has had a history of tactical alliances across the political spectrum in West Bengal.
Ghosh Defends Gyanesh Kumar and SIR
Responding to Banerjee's allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner, Ghosh defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. He said, 'SIR will be implemented. The Supreme Court itself has said that it should be implemented. It is necessary for the country's security. Every person's details should be verified. No one has the right to enter the country, vote, or reside here without proper documents. The methods through which she has won elections so far will no longer work now.'
Attacking the INDIA Bloc
Ghosh also turned his fire on the broader Opposition INDIA bloc, accusing them of manufacturing an issue ahead of upcoming polls. 'Elections are being held in several states across the country, and before that, the INDIA bloc emerges from somewhere. There is a corporation election in Bengal, so they need an issue. But they have no issue left, either at the national level or in Bengal. They are merely making absurd statements in an attempt to get some media attention, and nothing else,' he said.
What Comes Next
Ghosh was unequivocal that the protests would yield no result, stating that Gyanesh Kumar holds a constitutional post from which he cannot be removed by political pressure. 'Elections will be held, the results will be declared, and they will lose again. They will continue shouting, but Gyanesh Kumar holds a constitutional post, and nobody can remove him,' he added, urging the Opposition to instead focus on election preparation. With corporation elections in West Bengal on the horizon, the political temperature in the state is unlikely to ease soon.
Point of View
Which carries far more electoral potency in West Bengal than abstract arguments about the CEC's tenure. Banerjee's choice to ally with a fringe party like CJP hands the BJP exactly the ammunition it needs to paint her as an opportunist. The real contest here isn't about Gyanesh Kumar — it is about who controls the narrative on voter verification before the next round of local elections.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dilip Ghosh attack Mamata Banerjee on 3 October 2026?
Ghosh attacked Mamata Banerjee because she publicly backed the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Ghosh accused her of political opportunism, saying she would align with any force — even 'Yamdoot' — to survive politically.
What is the CJP protest about?
The CJP has been protesting and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mamata Banerjee extended her support to this protest, which drew criticism from BJP leaders including Dilip Ghosh.
What is the SIR that Dilip Ghosh mentioned?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision, an electoral roll verification exercise. Ghosh defended it as a national security necessity sanctioned by the Supreme Court, arguing that every resident's documents must be verified and that it would prevent fraudulent voting.
What did Ghosh say about the INDIA bloc protests?
Ghosh dismissed the INDIA bloc's protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar as politically motivated, saying the Opposition has no real issue at either the national or state level and is seeking media attention ahead of upcoming corporation elections in West Bengal.
Can Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar be removed following the protests?
According to Ghosh, the CEC holds a constitutional post and cannot be removed through political pressure or protests. He urged the Opposition to instead focus on preparing for elections rather than demanding his removal.
