Watch video: Dilip Ghosh makes derogatory remarks on Mamata Banerjee's father

New Delhi: Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice-president Dilip Ghosh has once again sparked controversy with derogatory comments aimed at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stirring tensions in the state's political arena.

Ghosh's provocative words

During a tour of Bardhaman – Durgapur, his Lok Sabha constituency, Ghosh stirred the pot by questioning Mamata Banerjee's familial affiliations, stating, "First Decide, Who is your Father? It’s not good to call everybody your father and it’s not good to be anybody’s child."

#WATCH | Durgapur, West Bengal | BJP MP Dilip Ghosh says, "...When Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) goes to Goa, she calls herself daughter of Goa. When she goes to Tripura, she says that she is the daughter of Tripura. She should first identify her own father..." pic.twitter.com/rGMDKjQd1T

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024

Reignited political turmoil

Ghosh's remarks, implying that Banerjee's claims of connection with various communities are inappropriate, have reignited tensions in West Bengal's political landscape, drawing sharp criticism from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Kunal Ghosh, a prominent TMC leader, defended Banerjee's stature as a leader of the people, denouncing Ghosh's attempts to diminish her authority.

History of disparaging comments

This is not the first time Ghosh has courted controversy with disparaging remarks about Banerjee and her family. His past comments, including remarks about Banerjee’s attire and family background, have faced severe backlash. Ghosh's insensitive remarks before the 2021 assembly elections, commenting on Banerjee's attire following an injury, drew widespread condemnation.

AITC's condemnation and action plan

The AITC has vehemently condemned Ghosh's behavior and pledged to take action. Plans are underway to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to address Ghosh's offensive conduct, signaling the party's commitment to uphold respectful political discourse.

Echoes of discord

Dilip Ghosh's controversial remark against Mamata Banerjee underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in West Bengal. As the state gears up for future electoral battles, such inflammatory rhetoric serves as a reminder of the deep-seated divisions within the political spectrum and the imperative of fostering civility in public discourse.