"This country is Hindu, we do not display secularism unnecessarily”: Dilip Ghosh

Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday stirred fresh controversy by reiterating his strong Hindutva stance, saying the party is “not ashamed” to identify with it and does not believe in displaying “meaningless secularism.” Speaking to journalists during a morning walk in Salt Lake, Ghosh asserted that Hindutva is intrinsic to India’s culture and way of life.

“The BJP is not ashamed to call it Hindutva. Because this country is Hindu. Our culture and lifestyle are Hindu. We do not display secularism unnecessarily,” he said. His remarks come at a time when political activity in Bengal is intensifying ahead of the Assembly elections.

The comments also coincided with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to the state on Wednesday. Shah is set to travel to Mayapur to attend a programme at the ISKCON temple, a visit described as religious rather than political. Addressing questions on whether such visits signal an emphasis on Hindutva before elections, Ghosh maintained that the temple is a globally renowned site and that its authorities had long invited Shah.

Reiterating his ideological position, Ghosh said Hindutva forms the core of the BJP’s functioning. He added that while the party speaks openly about Hindutva, it continues to be labelled secular. His remarks have once again triggered debate in political circles over the role of religion and identity in the state’s electoral discourse.