Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April 22, 2025, Kolkata: Senior BJP leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh stirred controversy on Monday morning while speaking to media personnel during a routine walk at Eco Park in Kolkata. The former Member of Parliament from Midnapore launched a sharp verbal attack on the CPI(M), suggesting that the party has lost relevance in Bengal’s political landscape and is allegedly being kept afloat by the Trinamool Congress.

In a candid interaction, Ghosh claimed, “Trinamool has kept the CPM alive with saline.” He went on to allege that the ruling Trinamool Congress not only supports the operational expenses of the CPI(M)’s party offices but even finances their daily amenities. “They even pay for their tea,” he remarked, casting doubts on the political independence of the Left party.

Referring to the Left’s nationwide strike scheduled for May 20, Ghosh expressed skepticism about its impact. “What difference does it make to the people of India whether the CPM calls a strike or not? Where are they now?” he questioned, implying the party’s dwindling relevance on the national stage.

Ghosh also commented on the brigade rally organized by the Left in Kolkata, likening it to a cultural gathering rather than a political movement. “Just as Bengalis come together after Durga Puja, the Left too gathers at the Brigade every year to eat and drink,” he remarked, mocking the rally’s seriousness.

Ghosh’s remarks come at a time when political activity is intensifying in Bengal, with alliances and rivalries shaping up ahead of key national events. His statements have already sparked reactions across party lines, with the possibility of further escalation in political rhetoric as the strike date approaches.

The comments are likely to fuel further debate in Bengal’s already charged political atmosphere, especially given the sensitivity surrounding inter-party dynamics and the historical significance of both the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress in the state.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, April 18, 2025 : 

Former BJP state president, ex-MP, and former MLA Dilip Ghosh tied the knot with party colleague Rinku Majumdar in an intimate wedding ceremony at his residence in New Town on Friday evening. The event, held as per Vedic rituals, was attended only by close family members and a few well-wishers, in keeping with Ghosh’s preference for simplicity.

Clad in traditional Bengali attire and donning a ceremonial ‘topor,’ the 60-year-old political leader appeared before the media after the rituals, expressing gratitude to all who had extended their blessings. “I thank everyone for their blessings. My personal life will not impact my political responsibilities,” Ghosh stated, adding that the marriage was a step taken in fulfilment of his mother’s long-standing wish.

This marks Ghosh’s first marriage and the second for 51-year-old Rinku Majumdar, who has a 25-year-old son from her previous marriage. A homemaker and long-time BJP functionary, Rinku has been associated with the party since 2013 and met Ghosh during morning walks at Eco Park in 2021. Although they initially shared only brief interactions, their relationship gradually deepened. It was during an IPL match at Eden Gardens on April 3, watched together with Rinku’s family from Box No. 11, that the couple reportedly decided to formalize their bond.

“I proposed, and I’m proud he eventually accepted,” said Majumdar. According to her, she was drawn to Ghosh’s values and clarity, especially as someone who respected her political ambitions and shared a common space in New Town. She revealed that she had proposed marriage in September 2024, and after some deliberation, Ghosh agreed in December.

Ghosh, a lifelong bachelor until now and a long-serving member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has played a significant role in West Bengal politics. Known for his straightforward approach, those close to him see this decision as a continuation of his bold, independent choices.

The wedding drew attention from across the political spectrum. Senior BJP leaders, including state unit president Sukanta Majumdar, visited the couple to convey their wishes. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent flowers and a congratulatory note, while Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari declined to comment.

Sources indicate that not everyone within the Sangh Parivar welcomed the development, though Ghosh appears unfazed. He is scheduled to visit his hometown, Kharagpur, on Saturday and is also expected to attend a political event in Dumdum, signaling his continued engagement with party work.

When asked about honeymoon plans, Ghosh responded with his trademark humour, “It will happen somewhere in India.”

As messages continue to pour in, the couple’s quiet yet significant step has made waves in the political landscape, blending personal fulfilment with public curiosity—while reinforcing Ghosh’s commitment to both family and political life.

A key moment in their evolving relationship occurred on April 3 at Eden Gardens during a Kolkata Knight Riders IPL match. Ghosh, Rinku, her son, and extended family were seen together in Box No. 11 of the clubhouse—a sight that many now recognize as the quiet confirmation of their impending marriage.

While some within political and social circles were taken by surprise, many close to Ghosh viewed his decision as yet another example of his independent thinking and personal conviction. “His fiancée, Rinku di, proposed to him after he lost the Lok Sabha election last year… It was there, at Eden Gardens, that the final decision was made,” shared a close associate of Ghosh.

In an interview following the wedding announcement, Ghosh emphasized that the marriage was deeply personal and driven by a desire to fulfill his mother’s long-standing wish. “My mother wanted me to get married, so to honour her wish, I am tying the knot. I will continue to be in active politics as I was before. My personal life will have no impact on my political work,” he stated.

Rinku, speaking candidly about their journey, shared that although she proposed in September, Ghosh took time to deliberate and finally agreed in December. Despite well-wishes from across party lines—including Chinchura MLA Asit Majumdar, who described Ghosh as a respected leader and wished him happiness—a section within the Sangh Parivar has reportedly expressed reservations about the marriage.

Ghosh, a longtime member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has served the organisation in various roles throughout his political career. His decision to marry, after decades of public service and bachelorhood, marks a significant personal milestone and has stirred conversation across political and social circles.

Nonetheless, both Ghosh and Majumdar have made it clear that their commitment to public service will remain unchanged as they step into this new phase of life together.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, April 10, 2025

: Amid intensifying protests across West Bengal against the recently enacted Waqf Act, State Municipal and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim has publicly declared that the law will not be implemented in the state. The statement, made during a press interaction following a review meeting at MKD in Midnapore on Wednesday, has sparked a fresh round of constitutional debate and political contention.

The new Waqf Act, already passed in Parliament and signed into law by the President, has triggered opposition in various parts of Bengal, particularly in regions such as Jangipur and Suti in Murshidabad, where unrest and phased protests have been reported. Demonstrators argue that the Act infringes upon the constitutional rights of minority communities regarding their properties.

Addressing reporters after the development review meeting, Firhad Hakim reaffirmed the state government’s stance against the legislation. “A resolution was passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly opposing the Waqf Bill. Despite that, the Bill was passed, which we consider wrong and unconstitutional,” he stated. “The Constitution clearly states that the property of minorities must remain in their hands. The new law violates this principle.”

Hakim alleged that the law is politically motivated, claiming, “This is a BJP move aimed at securing both Hindu and Muslim votes. We will strongly oppose this.” He also reiterated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is committed to maintaining religious harmony and will not implement any policy that could upset minority communities. “There is no question of this law being enforced in Bengal,” he emphasized.

However, the Minister’s assertion has raised questions about constitutional propriety, as states are not authorized to repeal or ignore a Central law once it has been enacted and signed into law by the President. Legal experts caution that the refusal to implement the Act could lead to a constitutional standoff between the state and the Centre.

Meanwhile, the review meeting in Midnapore also covered several local infrastructure and development projects concerning Midnapore and Kharagpur. Discussions focused on expediting delayed initiatives through coordinated efforts of the Midnapore-Kharagpur Development Board.

As the state government holds firm in its opposition to the Waqf Act, the political and legal dimensions of the issue are expected to evolve, potentially reaching higher judicial forums if the implementation stalemate continues. The unfolding situation highlights the deepening rift between state and central authorities over minority welfare policies and the limits of state resistance within the federal structure.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April  7,  2025, Kolkata : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made a significant promise to address the issue of unemployment in the state, assuring that jobs will be provided for those who are “deserving” while maintaining adherence to the law. The statement, however, comes amidst a growing controversy following a Supreme Court verdict, creating a clear divide between the judiciary’s stance and the Chief Minister’s approach.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 30, 2025, Kolkata :  The ongoing political tension and debates surrounding law and order in West Bengal, particularly concerning Ram Navami celebrations, have reached a critical juncture. Municipal Minister Firhad Hakim recently warned that a small group of individuals from other states could incite unrest in the state on Ram Navami. However, he expressed confidence that if such individuals are identified early, there would be no issue. Firhad emphasized that both he and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remain vigilant during the festival, staying up at night each year to ensure the peace is maintained.

In the meantime, opposition figures, including Leader of the Opposition Shuvendu Adhikari and BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, have adopted a sharp tone as Ram Navami approaches. Both leaders have issued stern warnings against the participation of armed processions and public gatherings during the festivities. Through their remarks, the BJP appears to be leveraging the occasion to strengthen its political narrative, rallying support around the principles of Hindutva as it prepares for the upcoming elections in the state. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in alignment with BJP’s agenda, has instructed its workers to bolster the show of force during the Ram Navami processions.

Responding to the rising political and religious tensions, Firhad Hakim stood firm in his belief that “communal politics will not work in Bengal,” emphasizing that the state remains committed to the secular values espoused by figures like Ramakrishna. Hakim also criticized Union Minister Amit Shah’s attempts to cultivate support for the BJP in the state, saying that religious politics would not succeed in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the RSS has refrained from directly intervening in the law and order matters surrounding the Ram Navami celebrations, deferring to the police administration. Dr. Jishnu Basu, the RSS’s Eastern Field Co-Promotion Officer, expressed the organization’s acceptance of the police’s decision on how to handle the procession, highlighting that different regions have diverse religious practices, and the law and order situation must be managed by the local authorities.

As tensions rise, West Bengal’s political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, with both major parties vying for influence. The key challenge moving forward will be maintaining peace and communal harmony as political factions continue to assert their positions in the lead-up to the next elections.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 26, 2025, Kolkata: As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its campaign, adopting a strong Hindutva narrative. The party has set its sights on securing a decisive mandate and has mobilized its cadre across the state. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has termed the upcoming elections as a defining battle, referring to it as a ‘religious war’ aimed at protecting Hinduism. His statement has sparked widespread discussions and reactions, with both support and criticism pouring in from various quarters.

Adhikari has openly positioned the elections as a fight to safeguard religious and cultural values. His stance has garnered strong backing from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has been actively involved in organizational groundwork in Bengal. The RSS-affiliated publication ‘Swastika’ has endorsed Adhikari’s call, describing it as a timely movement and urging supporters to extend their wisdom, guidance, and assistance. The publication has emphasized that Adhikari’s leadership is crucial in countering ideological opposition and fostering unity among like-minded groups.

The BJP leadership is confident that the 2026 elections will yield a favorable outcome. The party has launched an aggressive campaign across the state, with leaders actively engaging in public outreach programs. A significant boost to the party’s campaign came with the recent visit of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to Bengal. During his visit, he conducted multiple high-level meetings, reinforcing the BJP’s strategy and infusing fresh energy into its ranks. Political analysts have noted that the BJP’s Bengal unit has received renewed momentum from these developments, which have strengthened its organizational structure and ideological positioning.

In line with its electoral strategy, the BJP has launched a poster campaign across the state, prominently displaying slogans emphasizing Hindu unity and the need for a BJP-led government in 2026. The posters, carrying the message ‘Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai, 2026 e BJP Chai’ (Hindus are brothers; we want BJP in 2026), have drawn considerable attention and sparked debates. The campaign underscores the party’s commitment to consolidating the Hindu vote bank and challenging the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on issues of governance and policy.

Meanwhile, BJP legislators have intensified their criticism of the TMC’s policies, particularly targeting what they term as ‘appeasement politics.’ The opposition has been vocal in its accusations, arguing that the current administration has neglected the interests of the majority community. These statements have fueled further political discourse, with leaders from both parties engaging in sharp exchanges.

The TMC, on its part, has countered the BJP’s campaign by reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed the BJP’s narrative, asserting that democracy in West Bengal stands for harmony and coexistence. She has accused the opposition of attempting to polarize the electorate along religious lines for electoral gains. TMC leaders have actively campaigned against what they describe as ‘divisive politics,’ urging voters to reject efforts aimed at disturbing social unity.

As the election season progresses, the political climate in Bengal is becoming increasingly charged. The BJP’s focus on Hindutva, combined with the RSS’s active involvement, has set the stage for a high-stakes contest. The ruling TMC remains steadfast in its approach, countering the BJP’s assertions with its governance record and welfare initiatives. The coming months are expected to witness heightened political activity, with both parties vying for public support in a fiercely contested electoral battle.