'Better Than Rahul Gandhi': Dilip Ghosh Praises TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee In A Twist In Bengal Politics

In a surprising move, former BJP leader Dilip Ghosh praised Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee as superior to Rahul Gandhi, sparking speculation amid internal dissent within both parties.

Kolkata: In a surprising turn of events in West Bengal politics, former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh has lauded Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, calling him better than Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The unexpected praise has sparked widespread speculation, coming especially amid growing whispers of internal dissent within the Trinamool Congress, and news of Ghosh's uncomfortable position within his own party. 

"I consider Abhishek Banerjee a better leader than Rahul Gandhi. I find his speeches much more intelligent," Ghosh recently said, stirring the political landscape of West Bengal. 

The Trinamool Congress has been going through certain internal turmoil since the RG Kar rape-murder case that saw massive protests in Kolkata and elsewhere. Several senior TMC leaders are reported to have expressed discontent with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership. While some leaders continue to support her staunchly, others appear skeptical, creating a volatile situation within the ruling party. Against this backdrop, Ghosh’s remarks about Abhishek, a leader from a rival party, have added fuel to the fire.

Dilip Ghosh's Controversial Remarks  

Ghosh, comparing Abhishek Banerjee to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said: "Rahul Gandhi has lost 30-40 elections. He is almost a rejected leader now. Compared to him, Abhishek's statements appear more intelligent to me. Whether people or the party accept him as a leader is one thing, but being recognised by time and circumstances is another."

However, Ghosh also pointed out that Abhishek is still operating under the shadow of Mamata Banerjee. "He is working, no doubt, but there is no direct connection with the masses. He is a leader of a family-driven party, not someone who rose through street-level struggles. Right now, he is under Mamata Banerjee’s shadow. Only when he steps forward and faces tests independently will his leadership be assessed."

Ghosh’s praise for Abhishek, despite his criticisms, has led to speculation about potential shifts in the political dynamics of the state. The two have long been at loggerheads, with their exchanges once dominating Bengal’s political discourse. 

As West Bengal politics remains as unpredictable as ever, this unexpected development has added a fresh layer of intrigue, leaving observers guessing about its broader implications.

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Congress Fires Back, And This Is How TMC Reacted  

The Congress party, unsurprisingly, hit back at Ghosh’s comments. West Bengal Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar retorted: "Dilip Ghosh’s intellect is well-known. A man who finds gold in cow milk will naturally judge others' brains and intelligence." The sarcastic jab highlighted the longstanding criticism of Ghosh’s polarising statements.

TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh, meanwhile, dismissed Dilip Ghosh’s comments, suggesting they stem from internal frustrations within the BJP. Referring to Ghosh’s demotion from the state BJP leadership to a vice-presidential role in the national unit, Kunal said: "There are valid reasons for Dilip Ghosh’s frustration. But I would request him not to lose hope. Even if he joins another party, we will continue our political opposition. But don't give up, my friend—raise your voice louder."