Dilip Ghosh, accompanied by his wife Rinku Majumdar, visited the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, East Medinipur district, at the invitation of the state government. Following prayers and rituals, Ghosh addressed speculation regarding his joining the TMC, stating, "I received an official invitation."
Kolkata: Former president of the Bengal BJP and senior leader Dilip Ghosh, along with his wife Rinku Majumdar, visited the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, East Medinipur district, on Wednesday, at the invitation of the state government. They performed prayers and offered worship at the temple, exploring the entire complex. Notably, this temple was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Upon Ghosh's arrival in Digha, he was welcomed by Kunal Ghosh, general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Arup Biswas, the state's Power Minister. Following this, Dilip Ghosh also met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This meeting fueled speculation about Dilip Ghosh's potential imminent joining of the TMC.
Dilip Ghosh dismisses speculation of joining TMC
However, Dilip Ghosh categorically dismissed these speculations. He clarified that his visit to the Digha temple was purely for religious reasons and that he attended solely based on an official invitation. Dilip Ghosh stated, "I did not receive any invitation from any party. It was merely a religious visit, in which I did not participate for any political purpose. I was merely a devotee entering the temple; politics can only happen outside the temple."
Ghosh emphasized that the temple doors are open to all, and that religious sites should be devoid of any political maneuvering. This statement suggests his attempt to avoid any political controversy.
BJP uproar over meeting with Mamata
Dilip Ghosh's meeting with Mamata Banerjee caused a stir within the BJP. BJP MP Saumitra Khan launched a scathing attack on Dilip Ghosh, labeling him a "shame" to the Bengal BJP. Saumitra Khan posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "Dilip Babu, you are a perfect example of how a savior should become a devotee. It's concerning how someone so ideal can be so shameless! You are the shame of Bengal BJP."
The MP also suggested that Dilip Ghosh should withdraw from politics and focus on his personal life. Former national secretary of the BJP, Anupam Ghosh, also mocked Dilip Ghosh, stating, "Dilipda, now that you're married, just relax and chill."
Absence of other BJP leaders at the temple inauguration
Besides Dilip Ghosh, the state government also invited the BJP state president, Sukant Majumdar, the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, and other senior BJP leaders to the temple inauguration ceremony. However, Suvendu Adhikari and Sukant Majumdar did not attend the event. This highlights the internal disagreements and political tensions within the state BJP unit.
