BJP Reaches Out — In a significant political development for West Bengal BJP, senior leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh has been officially invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Durgapur on July 18, following his conspicuous absence at a previous party event in Alipurduar.
The invitation signals a shift in approach by the party’s state leadership, aiming to mend internal rifts and project a more unified front in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Context: The Alipurduar Absence
In late May, during Prime Minister Modi’s public meeting in Alipurduar, Dilip Ghosh was notably absent. His exclusion had sparked speculation about growing internal discord within the BJP’s West Bengal unit, particularly regarding Ghosh’s role and influence post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Ghosh had lost the Bardhaman-Durgapur seat—previously held by the BJP—to the Trinamool Congress. His transfer from his stronghold in Medinipur had also reportedly caused friction within the party. In his post-election comments, Ghosh suggested that internal sabotage and factionalism within the party had contributed to his defeat.
BJP Reaches Out: The Invitation to Durgapur
Unlike the previous event, this time BJP’s West Bengal leadership has extended a formal invitation to Dilip Ghosh for the rally at Nehru Stadium in Durgapur. The rally is expected to be a high-profile occasion, with PM Modi scheduled to address a large gathering of supporters from Bardhaman and nearby districts.
The inclusion of Ghosh is being interpreted as a conscious move to acknowledge senior leadership and consolidate party unity ahead of critical political campaigns.
Significance of Durgapur Rally
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming rally in Durgapur will not only mark his first visit to the industrial city in six years but also set the tone for the BJP’s renewed campaign in South Bengal. The region, with constituencies like Bardhaman-Durgapur and Asansol, holds strategic importance for both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Besides the political gathering, Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate multiple development projects, including those related to highways, steel production, and power infrastructure—further adding weight to the event.
A Step Toward Reconciliation
Dilip Ghosh has had a complex relationship with the current state BJP leadership. His earlier removal from the post of state president and eventual replacement by Sukanta Majumdar had led to visible distance between him and key figures in the state unit.
However, after the 2024 election results, efforts to bridge this gap gained momentum. West Bengal BJP’s current state president Samik Bhattacharya reportedly reached out to Ghosh to discuss future strategy and reconcile differences. Party insiders suggest that the move to invite him to the Durgapur rally is a result of those talks.
Ghosh, known for his grassroots appeal and uncompromising rhetoric, still commands a loyal base in the party. His inclusion at such a high-visibility event is seen as a strategic recalibration by the leadership.
Implications for BJP’s Bengal Strategy
The move reflects the party’s awareness of the importance of internal cohesion as it gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections. With the Trinamool Congress still holding significant ground in Bengal politics, the BJP cannot afford factional divides at this critical juncture.
Observers believe that bringing leaders like Dilip Ghosh back into the public eye is aimed at rallying the party’s old guard and energizing the base that helped BJP secure 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.
Dilip Ghosh’s Political Journey
Dilip Ghosh has been one of the most visible and vocal BJP leaders in West Bengal. Rising from the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he was appointed state president in 2015 and is credited with significantly expanding the BJP’s footprint in Bengal.
Under his leadership, the party made major electoral gains, culminating in its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. However, internal disputes and changes in leadership structure pushed Ghosh into a relatively subdued role in recent years.
Despite these setbacks, his influence among the grassroots workers has remained largely intact.
Rally Preparations Underway
Preparations for the Durgapur rally are in full swing, with large contingents of party workers being mobilized from Bardhaman, Bankura, and other adjacent districts. BJP leaders aim to ensure a strong turnout to send a message of resurgence and resolve ahead of the next election cycle.
Security measures are being tightened, and coordination with local administration is ongoing. The rally will feature both developmental announcements and political messaging as the BJP seeks to re-establish its momentum in the state.
Conclusion
Dilip Ghosh’s invitation to the Durgapur rally is more than symbolic—it represents an acknowledgment by the BJP that unity and experience are essential for its prospects in West Bengal. Whether this signals a long-term reintegration of sidelined leaders or a tactical move for upcoming events remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that the presence of veterans like Ghosh on major platforms can play a pivotal role in shaping the BJP’s narrative as it battles both internal divisions and formidable opposition from the ruling TMC.
External Links for Further Reference
- PM Durgapur Visit and Events – Press Information Bureau
- West Bengal BJP Official Website
- Nehru Stadium Durgapur – Google Maps Location
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