Dilip Ghosh defends PM Modi’s RSS visit, slams TMC on elections, flags Ram Navami tensions in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday for the first time since taking office. He participated in two scheduled events. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh stated that Modi has visited Nagpur multiple times as an RSS pracharak, and his visit as Prime Minister is not unusual. He compared Modi’s visit to that of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who also went to the RSS headquarters. Ghosh described the RSS as the world’s largest voluntary organization, engaged in nation-building, and noted that even foreign diplomats have visited the headquarters.

Meanwhile, Dilip Ghosh strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over allegations of irregularities in cooperative bank elections. He accused TMC leaders of turning every election, including school and puja committee elections, into a political agenda. He claimed that voters were blocked from casting their ballots in certain areas, particularly in Purba Medinipur, where booths were allegedly placed in Muslim-majority areas to prevent access. Ghosh specifically mentioned MLA Akhil Giri’s involvement in the cooperative elections, alleging that he engaged in hooliganism and should have been removed from the situation.

On the topic of minority votes, Ghosh addressed the conflicting statements within the BJP. While Agnimitra Paul emphasized the need for Muslim votes, Suvendu Adhikari dismissed their necessity. Ghosh stated that across India, Muslims largely do not vote for the BJP, except for a few party workers. He reiterated that the BJP does not practice appeasement and follows the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." He pointed out that the BJP has won elections in states like Assam and Goa despite significant Muslim populations and stated that their governance is meant for all communities without specific electoral targeting.

With Ram Navami approaching, reports of tension and violence have emerged in parts of West Bengal, including Malda. Ghosh alleged that the TMC was attempting to prevent Hindus from celebrating their festivals to create a climate of fear. He claimed that incidents in Malda, Murshidabad, and Medinipur town were orchestrated to stop Hindus from mobilizing and voting together. He warned that religious tensions could escalate further if the government does not take control of the situation. He also assured that the BJP would stand up wherever Hindus are a minority and face any form of oppression.

On Mamata Banerjee’s return from London, discussions on resuming direct Kolkata-London flights have gained momentum. Dilip Ghosh questioned why the flights were not operational earlier and criticized the state government’s decision to provide subsidies for the service. He asked why the route was being restarted now if there were no passengers and suggested that the government should focus on improving industry in the state. Additionally, he criticized Banerjee’s London visit, questioning the expenditure involved and asking why public funds were being used for such trips.