Why Did Dilip Ghosh Skip PM Modi's Rally?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dilip Ghosh's absence from PM Modi's rally raises questions about party dynamics.
- His last-minute decision not to attend indicates possible rifts within the BJP.
- Ghosh's trip to Delhi is shrouded in mystery, hinting at internal assignments.
- The backlash from BJP supporters shows the sensitivity of party loyalty.
- Future implications for the BJP's unity are uncertain.
Kolkata, July 18 (NationPress) Former BJP national vice-president and ex-state chief of West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, departed for New Delhi on Friday morning, just hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant political rally at the industrial area of Durgapur in West Burdwan district. Ghosh made a striking declaration to the press before his departure, stating that he opted out of attending the Prime Minister's rally at the last minute due to the party's leadership not wanting him there.
"At first, I had expressed my intention to attend the rally because common party members requested my presence. However, the party did not extend an invitation to me. It appears that the party leadership prefers my absence. Perhaps my attendance would cause difficulties for them. Thus, I will not be present at the Prime Minister's rally," Ghosh remarked at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata prior to his flight to Delhi.
When questioned about the purpose of his trip to Delhi on such an important day, he cryptically responded, "I am heading to Delhi on a party assignment," without providing further details.
Furthermore, Ghosh was notably absent from a previous rally held by PM Modi in Alipurduar district in May and from another rally led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kolkata in June.
A former Lok Sabha member, Ghosh stirred controversy among the party’s state leadership after attending the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in East Midnapore district in May, accompanied by his newly-wedded wife, an act that was disapproved by the party leaders.
His friendly interaction with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee within the temple grounds went viral, leading to criticism from several BJP supporters on social media, thus creating embarrassment for the state party leadership.