Dilip Ghosh has officially been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Durgapur,
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 14, 2025 :Putting an end to weeks of speculation and political chatter, former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh has officially been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Durgapur, scheduled for July 18. The invitation, which reached Ghosh on Monday, marks a potential thaw in the strained relationship between him and the party’s central leadership. It also signals a shift in the Bengal BJP’s dynamics under newly appointed state president Shamik Bhattacharya.
Though Ghosh had recently maintained a low profile and was absent from high-profile events like the Prime Minister’s earlier rally in Alipurduar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, his confirmed presence at the Durgapur event indicates a possible reconciliation. Notably, Bhattacharya had already hinted at Ghosh’s return to the political forefront during internal discussions, making his participation in the upcoming rally more than just symbolic—it could be strategic.
Sources have confirmed that Ghosh will arrive in Durgapur on the night of July 17, ahead of the rally. Prior to this, he had met with senior leaders in Delhi, sparking talks of a renewed role in Bengal’s BJP leadership structure. While his political re-entry seems to be gaining traction now, his recent moves—including his attendance at the Jagannath Temple inauguration in Digha alongside his wife, at the invitation of the state government—had earlier created unease within party circles. The gesture was seen as too cordial by some in the BJP, leading to speculation about a possible shift toward the Trinamool Congress. When questioned about such rumors, Ghosh had responded cryptically, adding fuel to the already volatile political atmosphere by saying, “No water, no fish”—a comment that only deepened the mystery surrounding his intentions.
During the recent organizational reshuffle in the BJP’s Bengal unit, Shamik Bhattacharya assumed leadership, while Ghosh remained conspicuously absent from both the election process and the subsequent reception. Yet, in a turn of events that surprised many, Ghosh publicly praised Shamik’s leadership. He later visited the Salt Lake BJP office to meet the new president, a gesture interpreted by political observers as a deliberate step toward mending strained ties. Following this, Ghosh made a visit to Delhi, further strengthening theories about his political revival within the party.
Insiders suggest that under Shamik Bhattacharya’s leadership, the BJP is making a conscious effort to blend experience with new energy. Shamik has been particularly mindful of keeping senior leaders like Ghosh involved, despite prior neglect. Many remember the controversy where Ghosh reportedly wasn’t even given a chair at a party meeting—an incident that became symbolic of his sidelining during Sukanta Majumdar’s tenure as state president. That single omission later sparked days of speculation in Bengal’s political circles, with journalists pressing Ghosh repeatedly for clarity. His responses remained vague, but the implications were unmistakable.
Now, as the BJP reshapes its internal strategy and prepares for a high-stakes public meeting in Durgapur, the re-invitation of a seasoned leader like Dilip Ghosh seems to represent more than just courtesy. It is likely a calculated move aimed at consolidating the party’s fractured base ahead of upcoming electoral challenges. Whether this marks a full return to form for Ghosh remains to be seen, but the signs are growing clearer that the ‘Dabangg’ leader of Bengal’s saffron camp is poised for a comeback.
With Prime Minister Modi’s visit just days away, all eyes are now on Durgapur—where Ghosh’s presence will be closely watched as a barometer of internal party unity and future political maneuvers within the Bengal BJP.
