Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.) West Bengal politics is abuzz with speculation surrounding senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh. In recent days, there had been strong rumours of him possibly quitting the party. However, on Monday, Ghosh firmly put an end to such speculation, making it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The former BJP state president hit out strongly at those spreading rumours, saying, “Am I some stray dog who roams from one house to another every morning and evening? Those who frequently switch parties themselves are spreading these rumours. BJP workers are not for sale. You may force us to leave the state, but we will never leave the party’s flag.”

Notably, Ghosh was absent from a recent rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fueling reports of a rift within the party. However, prior to that, he had met with the new state BJP president, Sukanta Majumdar, and expressed his continued support for the party leadership.

Moreover, the BJP organized a counter-programme across the state on July 21, which coincides with the Trinamool Congress’s annual Shahid Diwas rally. The BJP commemorated the day by paying tribute to its workers who were victims of political violence. Dilip Ghosh led the programme in Kharagpur.

While addressing the gathering, Ghosh took a direct jibe at the TMC, saying, “Isn't it surprising that the BJP is holding a Shahid Shraddhanjali Sabha on July 21? The TMC has been using this date for their yearly event, which often ends with egg-rice feasts. But we believe the real martyrs are ours. The so-called martyrs TMC remembers were actually Congress workers. What relation does TMC have with them? Many BJP workers have died fighting political battles in Bengal. Today’s meeting is to honour them. In fact, I feel TMC itself is on the verge of becoming history.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey