I’m a loyal soldier, says Dilip; BJP in his blood, says Samik
Times of India | 5 July 2025
Kolkata: Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya spoke to senior neta Dilip Ghosh after assuming his new post, following which both rebuffed suggestions that the former Midnapore MP may sever ties with the party.
Bhattacharya said on Friday: "Dilip Ghosh is a veteran party worker, and BJP is in his blood. He has been loyal to the party. The issue (of him being sidelined) is being looked into by the central brass.
"Asked why Ghosh was not invited to the event where he was made party president, Bhattacharya said: "I am not sure whether he was invited to the programme on Thursday. I was not state president when it was organised. In fact, I was also an invitee.
"
On speculation of a feud between old and new party workers, Bhattacharya said: "There is nothing like veterans and newcomers in BJP now. Everyone has to start working if we are to dislodge the party in office in Bengal.
"Speaking to reporters after his morning walk in New Town, Ghosh too asserted that he was a "loyal soldier" of BJP and had no intention of forming a new party.
The party veteran, who has been missing from the state BJP's frontline for quite some time, said: "BJP gave me a platform, made me an MLA, an MP, and gave me organisational responsibilities. Even the car and security I use were provided by BJP. I never asked for anything. If the party wants me to work as an ordinary member, I will do that. If they call me, I'll go. If they don't, I won't. This is how a system works.
""I helped establish the party here. I don't need to float a new party. The BJP that we built over 70 years will fulfil the aspirations of the people," he said.
Asked about social media chatter on a potential surprise before July 21, a date politically symbolic for Trinamool, he said: "Imagination is free. Let people imagine things till the 21st. Tarikh pe tarikh. But that's how some people stay in the market. And Dilip Ghosh is still in the market.
"Ghosh had faced criticism from within BJP for attending the inauguration of the Jagannath temple in Digha and meeting CM Mamata Banerjee on April 30. Reiterating his position, he said: "I wasn't there representing anyone. I am a taxpayer. The temple was built using public money. As a respectable citizen, I went there.
"On his relations with Trinamool members like Kunal Ghosh and Aroop Biswas, he said: "I have known them for a long time and continue to have a personal rapport with them. It has nothing to do with politics.
" He added: "My friendships and enmities aren't casual.