Dilip Ghosh.
Credit: PTI Photo
Kolkata: Rebuffing speculations, senior leader Dilip Ghosh on Friday asserted that he was a "loyal soldier" of the BJP and has no intentions of forming a new party.
Ghosh's assertion came as the rumour mill was working overtime over the last few weeks, churning out speculations that he may float a new party ahead of next year's assembly elections in West Bengal after remaining missing from the state BJP's frontline for quite some time.
"The 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 the party. 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," he said, speaking to reporters after his morning walk in New Town.
Ghosh, known for delivering political messages on the sidelines of his morning walks, was the BJP's West Bengal president when it made inroads in the state.
He said there was no need for a new party as the BJP would fulfil the aspirations of the people.
"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. There is no need for a new party," he said.
Asked about the social media chatter of a potential surprise before July 21, a date politically symbolic for the ruling TMC, he said, "Imagination is free. Let people imagine things till the 21st. Tarik pe tarik (Date pe date). But that's how some people stay in the market. And Dilip Ghosh is still in the market." Ghosh also faced criticism within his own party for attending the inauguration of the new Jagannath temple in Digha and meeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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 TMC leaders like Kunal Ghosh and Aroop Biswas, he said, "I have known them for long and continue to have a personal rapport. It has nothing to do with politics."
"My friendships and enmities aren't casual," he added with a grin.