“If party asks, I’ll contest from Kharagpur”: Dilip Ghosh reignites local politics

Political activity has intensified in Kharagpur amid strong indications of senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh’s renewed focus on his traditional stronghold in West Midnapore. His recent public outreach, combined with a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has fuelled speculation that Ghosh is positioning himself for a key role in the 2026 Assembly elections, particularly from Kharagpur.

The political temperature rose further after Ghosh openly asserted his claim over the seat. Speaking to the media, he questioned the decision to field him from Bardhaman earlier and underlined his electoral connect with Kharagpur, stating that the people had elected him twice. His remark that he would contest from Kharagpur if the party asked has triggered fresh debate within the BJP’s state unit.

The response from Kharagpur BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee followed soon after. Without naming Ghosh, Chatterjee stressed that ticket allocation rests solely with the party’s Central Election Committee, led by the top national leadership. He recalled that the same committee had chosen him as candidate in successive elections and said he would expect Ghosh to campaign for the party if he was again nominated from Kharagpur in 2026.

Chatterjee also made a pointed remark, noting that while Ghosh termed his own shift from a sitting seat as unjust, the same question should apply to sitting legislators like himself. Political observers view these comments as signs of growing unease and possible internal competition within the party over Kharagpur’s political future.

Meanwhile, Ghosh has stepped up his grassroots engagement across West Midnapore. On Sunday, he held extensive interactions with party workers and locals, followed by an organisational meeting in Kharagpur focused on strengthening the party and shaping future strategy. His sustained visibility through political, organisational and social engagements has reinforced the message that he is preparing to reclaim a decisive role in Kharagpur and district-level politics.