BJP leader and former MP Dilip Ghosh has landed in a political controversy after a video surfaced of him allegedly threatening local women in Kharagpur, West Bengal. The incident occurred during the inauguration of a newly built road in Ward No. 6, where a group of women confronted Ghosh about his absence from the area during his tenure as a Member of Parliament.
The Heated Exchange
On the day of the inauguration, Ghosh, who previously represented the Medinipur Lok Sabha seat, visited Ward 6 in Kharagpur to celebrate the completion of a concrete road, which was funded from his MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund. However, his visit did not go as smoothly as expected. A group of local women confronted the former MP, questioning his absence during his tenure as a Member of Parliament.
The women expressed their frustration, asking, "Where were you all this time? We never saw you when you were an MP. Now, after our councilor Pradip Sarkar has built the road, you're here?"
Rather than providing a calm response, Ghosh fired back aggressively, accusing the women of being supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. He also claimed that the road was constructed using his MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund and not with any financial contribution from the TMC.
He said, "I have given the money for this; it is not your father's money! Go and ask Pradip Sarkar about it!"
The situation quickly escalated when one of the women responded, saying, "Why bring up our father? You were an MP! Can you talk like this?" This statement seemed to anger Ghosh even more, prompting him to threaten the woman, "Don't scream like that, I'll choke you," he said, according to the viral video footage.
During the confrontation, Ghosh allegedly insulted the women further by calling them “Trinamool’s dogs” and accusing them of creating a ruckus at the event.
1.1 In Bhabanipur, Ward 6 of Kharagpur, a concrete road was inaugurated at a cost of ₹2.6 lakh from the MP fund.
The area is quite low-lying, often leading to waterlogging. So this road will improve their living condition. pic.twitter.com/xaleTszwFI— Dilip Ghosh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DilipGhoshBJP) March 21, 2025
Public Reaction: Outrage and Calls for an Apology
The incident quickly sparked outrage across social media platforms and political circles. Many expressed their shock and anger over Ghosh’s conduct, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leading the charge in condemning the BJP leader's behavior.
Pradip Sarkar, the TMC councillor of the area, was one of the first to speak out against Ghosh's actions. Sarkar condemned Ghosh for his remarks, questioning why the former MP was inaugurating a road that was built by the municipality. He accused Ghosh of disrespecting the local women and dragging their fathers into the conversation unnecessarily.
He said:
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"Dilip Ghosh is no longer an MP, so why did he go to inaugurate the road?"
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"The municipality completed the roadwork because it's a low-lying area, prone to waterlogging."
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"He disrespected the women by bringing up their fathers. Such language is unbecoming of a former MP. He should apologize, or protests will follow wherever he goes in Kharagpur."
Sarkar also claimed that Ghosh called the protesting women “500-rupee workers”, implying they were paid supporters of TMC.
ছিঃ! একজন মহিলাকে বিজেপি নেতা দিলীপ ঘোষ কিভাবে হুমকি দিচ্ছে, শুনে নিন! বিজেপির থেকে এর বেশি আর কিই বা আশা করা যায়? ধিক্কার বিজেপিকে!#ShameOnBJP #DilipGhosh #bjpwestbangal pic.twitter.com/JdGL4guhJc— Banglar Gorbo Mamata (@BanglarGorboMB) March 21, 2025
Ghosh Defends Himself: A Tweet and Justification
In the aftermath of the incident, Ghosh took to social media to justify his actions. In a tweet, he explained that the road had been constructed at a cost of ₹2.6 lakh from his MPLAD fund and that it was intended to address the waterlogging problem in the low-lying area. He also clarified that while the local municipality was technically responsible for the work, it had failed to deliver, which prompted him to take the initiative and ensure the project was completed.
However, Ghosh's explanation did little to quell the rising storm of criticism. His inflammatory remarks and aggressive behavior left many questioning his ability to engage with the public in a civil manner.
What Happened After the Incident?
Following the confrontation, the situation continued to simmer. The group of protesting women reportedly surrounded Ghosh’s car, and an additional police team was called in to manage the growing tension. The incident has further fueled the political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in the region, with both sides taking every opportunity to criticize each other.
Despite Ghosh’s defensive stance, the overall public sentiment seems to lean heavily against the BJP leader’s handling of the situation. Many have called for Ghosh to issue a public apology for his threats and inappropriate behavior, with protests expected if such an apology is not forthcoming.
The incident has reignited tensions between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Critics argue that Ghosh's remarks reflect a pattern of aggressive rhetoric from the BJP leader, while supporters claim that he was merely defending himself against a politically motivated protest.
Regardless, the controversy has raised concerns about the conduct of public representatives and their accountability towards their constituents. Whether Ghosh will face any political or legal consequences remains to be seen.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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