'Not Removed, Change In Responsibilities': Dilip Ghosh Shunted As Bengal Chief, Sukanta Majumdar Roped In

Post major reshuffle, Dilip Ghosh took to Twitter to congratulate Balurghat parliamentarian Sukanta Majumdar. He also welcomed party's decision to appoint him as national vice president of the party.

Dilip Ghosh & Sukanta Majumdar (File Photo)

Kolkata: In a major change of guard in the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, Balurghat parliamentarian Sukanta Majumdar was appointed as party president in the state, replacing Dilip Ghosh. Known for frequent controversial comments, Dilip Ghosh has been made the national vice president of the party.

Post major reshuffle, Dilip Ghosh took to Twitter to congratulate Majumdar. He also welcomed party's decision to appoint him as national vice president of the party.

"I am MP. I will be here as a normal party worker.  From here, Party will decide my works. Who all have appointed me as National vice president, will decide to use me Nationally. I had been given the responsibility as president. I had tried to build the organisation throughout the state. Organisationally, BJP become strong in West Bengal. Fight will continue to come into power here," Ghosh said.

There are speculations that the decision to appoint a new West Bengal president is strategical move to avoid loss in elections this time. The move can be seen as BJP trying to revamp the party in the state amid desertions by a number of its leaders who have switched over to the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Not Removed, Just Change In Role: Dilip Ghosh

Ghosh further his interview said that he has not been removed, but the role has been changed based on his seniority and experience in the field. He said that he is ready to support Sukanta in all possible manner, the main aim is the success of the party in the state.

"I have not been removed. I have been give more responsibilities as my experience has increased. I met with National president of our party. We had a discussion on Bengal politics and our organisation here. I told him that half of my aim has been fulfilled. I also requested him for the changes in leadership as party has to perform a new role.  There were few names with Sukanta Da for this post. I had recommended those names. I am working with Sukanta Da as MP since last two years. I will help him, as he will want," Ghosh said.

"I have congratulated him. I will pray to God that he should also become successful. I am ready to help. The situation was different five years ago when we started. BJP was no where in West Bengal that time. But Now BJP is the main opposition party here. We will perform as a responsible opposition party. Sukanta babu is a young and less experienced person, but he is well educated and intelligent. I think party has given the responsibility to such a young person with future thought," he added.

'Strategical Mistakes'

Speaking over the 'Strategical mistakes' during elections, Ghosh said, "We are realising that there might have been strategical mistake in few areas. We got 50 percent success.  Now strategy will be changed. Strategy changes in every election. It will be decided for next election according to situation."

Ghosh expressed confidence in party's decision to reshuffle the positions ahead of 2024 elections. He said that leaders being appointed from North and South Bengal will ensure the over all development of the entire state and not just Kolkata-restricted.

"Opposition leader has been selected from South Bengal and State president has been selected from north Bengal. We are balancing our organisation throughout West Bengal. t is first time both of two leaders are from outside of Kolkata.  Previously leaders were Kolkata based. As a result, development has been restricted in Kolkata only. No development has been taken place in overall West Bengal. I think,  now overall development will be done. They are being benefited with central govt's help for  development there. Central Govt. wanted to build AIIMS there but Mamata Banerjee has not given land for that," Ghosh said.

It is to be noted that the reshuffling in the party has come just two days fater the party's MP from Asansol, Babul Supriyo switched sides.

Speaking over Babul Supriyo's criticism on his post, Ghosh said, "Many have gone like Babul da. And many more will go. But organisational work of the party will be continued. I don’t know who has written the post. He may had read other's post. He should read my post. Why should I take the responsibility of any other's post."