"TMC itself will become a martyr now": Dilip Ghosh hits out, dismisses BJP exit buzz

Senior BJP leader and former West Bengal state president Dilip Ghosh has denied all speculation about his departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party. On Monday, he stated that he is not leaving the party, amid ongoing discussions in political circles regarding his possible exit. The clarification comes days after his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Durgapur triggered fresh debate about his status within the party.

When questioned, Ghosh responded, "Am I some stray dog who roams around from house to house morning and evening? Those who keep switching parties are the ones spreading such rumours. BJP workers don’t sell themselves. Even if beaten, we may leave the state, but never abandon the party flag."

Ghosh had met the newly appointed BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya shortly before the Durgapur rally. His absence from the PM’s programme had fueled talks about internal disagreements, but his statement and participation in BJP’s July 21 programmes reinforced his active involvement in party affairs.

On July 21, while the Trinamool Congress observed its annual Shaheed Diwas rally, the BJP held events across the state to pay tribute to its party workers who were killed in incidents of political violence. Dilip Ghosh led the Kharagpur event and addressed party workers, stating, “BJP is holding a martyr tribute on July 21—what’s so shocking about that? TMC hosts an annual festival with egg-rice feasts. We believe the martyrs are ours.”

He further added, “The martyrs remembered by TMC were from Congress. What connection do they have with TMC? Many BJP workers have been killed in political violence across Bengal. Today’s event is to pay homage to them. I feel TMC itself will now become a martyr.”