West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday, 21 October sharply criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserting that Gandhi's views were of little relevance to the public and that he still had much to learn about India and the organisation. Speaking to reporters in Newtown, Ghosh described the Congress leader as politically immature and incapable of independent thought.

What Ghosh Said About Gandhi

'What Rahul Gandhi believes is of no concern to the public. He still has a lot to learn about India and the RSS. It has only been 50-55 years, and he is still immature. He cannot think independently, which is why his statements have no impact,' Ghosh said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's remarks came a day after Gandhi launched a pointed attack on the RSS during a public address on Tuesday, 20 October.

What Gandhi Said About the RSS

Gandhi had accused the RSS of being anti-constitutional and of holding regressive views on women. 'The RSS is an all-male anti-constitutional cult that believes women are the property of men. I believe in Shiva-Shakti. That's why it gives me such joy to fight them. What's beautiful is that many of their ‘own’ women are on my side,' Gandhi said on Tuesday.

The remarks represent an escalation in Gandhi's ongoing rhetorical campaign against the RSS, which he has repeatedly targeted since the Congress party's stronger-than-expected showing in the 2024 general elections.

Foreign Funding Allegation

Ghosh went further, alleging that coordinated efforts were underway across Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to sway public opinion through foreign funding and external intervention. He claimed that money had already entered Kolkata through various individuals and said the government was aware of the situation.

'Across the country, including in Delhi and Mumbai, efforts are being made to mislead the government and the public. Foreign funding is coming in, people are arriving from abroad, and attempts are being made to influence people through external sources. Similar efforts are taking place in Kolkata, where a significant amount of money has already come in through various individuals, and the government is also aware of it,' Ghosh said.

He urged citizens to remain united and prevent any disruption to public order in the state. No specific names or organisations were cited in connection with the allegation.

On Dussehra and India's Oil Trade

Commenting on the burning of cockroach effigies during Dussehra celebrations on Tuesday, Ghosh said the practice aligned with the festival's broader symbolism of defeating evil. 'Cockroaches should be burned, and other effigies representing different forms of demons should also be burned. Look at Durga Puja in Bengal — every pandal features a different form of a demon, and several such effigies are burned,' he said.

The minister also backed the Centre's stance on India's oil trade decisions, reaffirming the government's 'Nation First' position. 'Our respected Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have repeatedly said that decisions about whom India buys oil from and whom it sells it to are internal matters. We will make these decisions based on our national interests. There was a lot of pressure, but our Prime Minister did not bow to it,' he said.

With the political temperature rising over the RSS debate, Gandhi's remarks are likely to remain a flashpoint as both the Congress and the BJP sharpen their messaging ahead of upcoming state electoral cycles.