‘How’s the josh, Dilip Ghosh’ – this is how women greet former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency. Campaigning in this sweltering heat, with the mercury only rising, Ghosh is playing on a new pitch as his constituency has been changed from Medinipur to Durgapur where he is up against former cricketer Kirti Azad.
Ghosh said the Mamata Banerjee-led state government is all “ghotala” (scam). Not bothered about any difficult questions, he said he is a sportsperson and, that is why, he will be up for any challenge or job placed in front of him.
Excerpts from an interview:
You begin your campaign with a morning walk and then a ‘chai pe charcha’. How does that help?
It’s extremely hot as you know that the temperature has crossed 40 degrees Celsius and it is only rising every day. I always meet people when I go for a morning walk and the ‘josh’ (enthusiasm) of the team is high if I start early. ‘Chai pe charcha’ is obviously inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He does it too, and we are all his followers.
Why are you always in the news?
I am always in the news because you people like me; I make news that’s right. Politicians should stay in the news. I always convey things in a straight manner. People want to hear what I say. It may be controversial, but that’s the reason people like me. I know my points are accepted by society because a section of people feel what I say, and they too want to say that but are unable to.
You were the state BJP president, but your seat was changed. How do you feel?
‘Jahan kaam, wahan hum’ – this is the motto of our organisation. People who are good at troubleshooting are sent to difficult areas. The party only sends those on whom it has confidence; I feel good that the party believes in me and, when I came here 10 years ago, there was hardly any BJP in Bengal and I have worked very hard.
You were the state unit president when the BJP won 18 seats last time. Don’t you think you should have got the seat you wanted?
As I told you, whatever work the party gives me, I will do it. People who can change things are given difficult jobs. The best workers get the tough assignments because the party knows they can do it. I told the party to appoint a new president. I won Medinipur and thought that I will get that seat, but I did not because the party needed me here. Wherever there is a challenge, the party sends me. I have been in the Sangh for so many years; I know what to do and when.
The slogan here is ‘How’s the josh Dilip Ghosh’. What’s your reaction to that?
I do four to five hours of road shows daily. I have been informally meeting people for the past one month. In this heat, people are coming out to support me, which is definitely an achievement for me.
Are there three groups in the West Bengal BJP? What is your equation with Suvendu Adhikari?
We don’t have any groups. Have you heard anyone in the party saying that? Our party does not have this kind of a culture. I believe in the party and society. I have known Suvendu Adhikari before. I brought him to the party. The party has given him the responsibility of the leader of opposition [in the state legislative assembly].
Some of your negative comments have left the party embarrassed in response to which you received show-cause notice. What do you have to say?
Look at the people I am targeting with my statements. I stand in front of people who break discipline. I think one should answer, no question, as to who has the answer. I can give answers because I have guts. Society stands by me on this otherwise, that’s why people have elected me.
You supported the Sandeshkhali movement, but on the other side, you are defaming a woman…
Who was behind what was happening in Sandeshkhali? Who is giving shelter to criminals of Sandeshkhali? It’s Mamata Banerjee. That’s why it’s my duty to counter her.
When SS Ahluwalia won from Bardhaman-Durgapur last time, the margin was small. What will you do if you win? There are allegations that Ahluwalia did not visit his constituency.
I have been sent here to increase the victory margin. Ahluwalia ji was our senior leader, he could not come due to Covid. In fact, I told him not to. What did the celebrity MPs of the TMC do? They, too, have been dropped because they never visited their places. Dev is there and they have intimidated and forced him to contest. The police help them with the crowd during Mamata’s meetings while the people only come for biryani.
What do you have to say for your counterpart?
After charging us with fielding an “outsider”, the TMC has gone ahead and fielded one themselves. He is a guest, that is all. The TMC were not getting candidates this time. People who are contesting have never even fought panchayat elections, but are contesting Lok Sabha; that’s why they are bringing in people from Bihar and Gujarat. He does not have culture, he cannot communicate. He has stopped campaigning it seems.
Are you facing any intimidation?
Yes, they are trying but I am visiting those who are being intimidated. I have told them that I am with them and will be for the next five years.
What are the election issues this time?
Corruption for years; this is a ‘ghotala’ government. All ministers are involved; they are looting everyone. The condition of women has only worsened under a woman CM.
How many seats do you think the BJP will win? And what about your final number?
Last time, Amit Shah ji said 22, we got 18. This time, they have set a target of 35. The leadership has confidence in us. The BJP will be the largest party in Bengal this time. I enjoy politics and I consider it to be like any other sport. Here, too, this time ‘khela hobe’.
Check Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 Schedule, Key Candidates And Constituencies At News18 Website.
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