Kolkata, 3 July (H.S.):

BJP national vice-president and senior West Bengal leader Dilip Ghosh has finally broken his silence after being passed over for the post of state party president, a role that has now gone to Rajya Sabha MP Shamik Bhattacharya. Ghosh, whose name had been in the reckoning, reacted with a mix of resignation and subtle critique, suggesting discontent beneath his composed exterior.

Speaking informally to journalists during his morning walk in Kolkata on Thursday, Ghosh was seen sitting near a sweet shop, occasionally nibbling on sweets despite being diabetic. Rain interrupted his walk, prompting a candid interaction with the media.

“When I joined the party, Shamik Bhattacharya was the state general secretary and also an elected representative. At that time, the party didn’t allow dual roles, which is why he wasn’t made president. He has long served as the party’s spokesperson and is a good communicator. The party believes he can handle the organisation, and that’s why the responsibility has been given to him,” Ghosh said, offering a diplomatic endorsement of his successor.

However, when asked directly about being excluded from the race for the top post, Ghosh replied with a wry smile, “I run every morning at 5 am, but I’m not in any race. I travel across districts, stay in touch with workers—that’s my job.”

Despite his words, Ghosh's body language and expression suggested a sense of dissatisfaction. The statement comes at a time when internal discussions within Bengal BJP over leadership roles have intensified.

A former state president himself, Dilip Ghosh remains an influential figure in Bengal politics. His reaction, while seemingly personal, also points to deeper undercurrents within the party’s organisational dynamics. The choice of Bhattacharya is being seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, aimed at reviving the party’s fortunes in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh