The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kolkata): In Kolkata, Dilip Ghosh, a prominent figure in the BJP, extended an apology for his recent comments about Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which had ignited a political furor. This act of contrition was prompted by his party demanding an explanation following the circulation of a video where Ghosh seemed to disparage Banerjee’s family background. Acknowledging the discontent within his party and among the public over his language, Ghosh expressed his regret, stating, “If it is so, I am sorry for that.”
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) lodged a formal complaint against Ghosh with the Election Commission, accusing him of breaching the model code of conduct with his remarks. Despite the controversy, Ghosh clarified that he harbors no personal animosity towards the Chief Minister, emphasizing that his criticism was solely targeted at her political statements intended to confuse the electorate.
However, Ghosh quickly pointed out that the discourse around respect for women, sparked by his comments, overlooked similar disrespectful remarks made by a TMC leader towards Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, and his father, Sisir Adhikari. He questioned the apparent selective outrage, suggesting that respect should not be gender-biased.
Ghosh, who is contesting from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming election, had previously mocked the TMC’s campaign slogan, hinting at Banerjee’s self-proclaimed representation of various states beyond West Bengal. The BJP responded to these comments by describing them as “unparliamentary” and not reflective of the party’s ethos.
Furthermore, the controversy drew criticism from other political quarters, with Samik Bhattacharya, a BJP spokesperson, clarifying that the party does not endorse such remarks, especially against a sitting chief minister. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the state Congress president, also denounced the use of derogatory language in politics, stating that his condemnation applies to any party member who engages in such behavior, irrespective of their political affiliation.