Dilip Ghosh backs ‘encounter’ policy, says Bengal police will act “UP-style” if BJP wins

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Thursday stirred political debate after advocating for “Uttar Pradesh-style encounters” during a campaign rally in Kharagpur, asserting that strict policing measures would be introduced in West Bengal if his party comes to power. Addressing supporters, Ghosh claimed that the current law-and-order situation reflects “goondaraj” and said decisive action would follow after the election results.

Speaking at the rally, Ghosh said, “Everything will change after the 4th. You will see transformation in West Bengal. The police who are today sitting with hooligans and serving corrupt leaders will act differently. You will see how that same police carries out encounters in Uttar Pradesh style.” He also accused the current administration of shielding criminals and alleged that cases had been filed against him and party workers during Ram Navami.

Taking an aggressive tone, Ghosh further said, “If you try to intimidate, won’t I do the same? I will. I have done politics by intimidating. That’s why people vote for me.” He added that those responsible for crimes and intimidation would be jailed if the BJP forms the government, promising a complete overhaul of governance and policing.

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, Ghosh said the BJP would come to power in the 2026 Assembly elections and end what he described as hooliganism in the state. He reiterated that voters had previously shown trust in the party and would do so again, ensuring a decisive mandate for change.

The statement marks Ghosh’s return to an assertive campaign style after a relatively low profile following his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now contesting again from Kharagpur, he appears to have re-entered active politics with renewed momentum, positioning himself as a strong voice within the party’s campaign in the state.