Kolkata, West Bengal
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA-elect from West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, has made a series of strong statements following the 2026 Assembly election results, addressing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, post-poll developments, and the BJP’s electoral victory in the state.
Speaking in Kolkata, Ghosh responded sharply to Mamata Banerjee’s statement that she would not resign, asserting that the democratic mandate must be respected. “If you complain before the media, nothing is going to come out of it. It is the public mandate which is supreme,” he said, emphasizing that election results reflect the will of the people and should be accepted by all political leaders.
He questioned what he described as selective acceptance of institutions, stating that if one does not accept the Election Commission or the courts, it raises concerns about which authority is being acknowledged. In a strongly worded remark, he added, “Fear God. How much will you lie?”, indicating his criticism of the Chief Minister’s position and statements.
Ghosh also commented on Banerjee’s political style, suggesting that she often takes a firm stance initially but eventually aligns with prevailing circumstances. He claimed that she may wait for a few days to assess political support and, if she finds herself isolated, she would eventually fall in line. He further added that even close political allies might not extend support in such a situation, reflecting the intensity of his remarks.
On the Trinamool Congress (TMC) decision to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate alleged post-poll violence, Ghosh took a more measured stance. He said that such an initiative could be useful in supporting party workers and calming those who have suffered electoral losses, indicating that efforts to restore stability are important.
At the same time, he rejected allegations against the BJP regarding involvement in violence. “BJP neither perpetrates nor supports violence,” he stated, reiterating the party’s official position. He also referred to past incidents, claiming that in previous elections, multiple people had lost their lives in post-poll violence, highlighting concerns that have long been associated with the state’s political environment.
Turning to the BJP’s electoral success, Ghosh expressed gratitude to the voters of West Bengal. “Gratitude to the people of Bengal for their mandate,” he said, acknowledging the support received by the party. He described the victory as significant and reflective of a strong wave of public support.
Ghosh also spoke about the scale of the victory, suggesting that the people of West Bengal tend to give decisive mandates, often resulting in a large number of seats for the winning side. He indicated that the BJP’s performance aligns with this pattern, pointing to what he described as a “thumping victory.”
Highlighting the party’s long-term efforts, Ghosh referred to decades of political work and struggle. He mentioned that the BJP has been working toward this outcome since the time of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, describing the journey as one of dedication and perseverance.
He also noted that in the past decade, several party workers have faced violence, and some have lost their lives. According to him, these sacrifices have contributed to the party’s growth and eventual acceptance among the people, framing the victory as the result of sustained effort and resilience.
“After this ‘tapasya’ and ‘pariksha’, people have accepted us and we will meet their expectations,” Ghosh said, expressing confidence that the BJP will now focus on governance and fulfilling its promises to the electorate.
Observers note that Ghosh’s statements reflect both celebration and confrontation, capturing the dual nature of post-election politics in West Bengal. While the BJP is emphasizing its victory and future plans, sharp exchanges between political leaders continue to dominate the narrative.
As the state enters a new political phase, attention will shift toward governance, law and order, and the implementation of policies. The ability of leaders to balance political rhetoric with administrative responsibility will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of West Bengal’s political landscape.
Dilip Ghosh’s remarks highlight the significance of the electoral mandate while underscoring ongoing political tensions, as West Bengal navigates the aftermath of a highly contested election.
