Former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh has found himself at the center of controversy after a video surfaced showing him engaged in a heated argument with a group of women in Kharagpur, West Bengal. The altercation took place during the inauguration of a newly constructed concrete road in Ward No. 6, where local women confronted Ghosh about his absence during his tenure as an MP. The situation escalated when Ghosh lost his temper, allegedly threatening to “choke” one of the women for raising her voice.
The Confrontation: ‘Where Were You When We Needed You?’
According to reports, the incident occurred when Ghosh visited the locality to formally inaugurate the road. However, instead of a warm welcome, he was met with angry residents questioning his past inaction. One of the women reportedly asked,
“Where have you been all this time? We never saw you even for a day when you were an MP. Now, after the councilor (Pradip Sarkar) has built the road, you’re here?”
The remark seemed to strike a nerve with Ghosh, who retorted aggressively, claiming that the funds for the road construction came from his MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) fund and not from the local councilor’s budget. In an attempt to dismiss the protests, Ghosh accused the women of being supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that they were politically motivated.
‘Don’t Scream Like That, I’ll Choke You’—Dilip Ghosh’s Outburst
As the back-and-forth exchange intensified, Ghosh allegedly threatened the women, saying,
“Don’t scream like that, I’ll choke you.”
This shocking statement, caught on video, has led to massive backlash, with critics calling it a blatant display of arrogance and misogyny from a public figure. When one of the women challenged Ghosh for his remarks, saying, “Why bring up our father? You were an MP!”, he further escalated the argument, saying,
“I will bring up your fourteen generations!”
Ghosh’s comments and his visibly hostile demeanor prompted his security personnel and BJP workers to step in, attempting to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled further out of control.
Political Fallout: Condemnation from TMC Leaders
The incident has sparked outrage across political circles, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly condemning Ghosh’s behavior. Pradip Sarkar, the local TMC ward councilor, criticized Ghosh’s presence at the event, stating,
“He is no longer an MP, so why did he go to inaugurate the road? The municipality completed the roadwork because it’s a low-lying area. He went there and lost his temper, disrespecting the women by bringing up their fathers!”
Sarkar further accused Ghosh of insulting the women by calling them ‘500-rupee workers’, suggesting that he was referring to beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar, a state government scheme that provides financial assistance to women.
Ghosh Defends His Actions, Calls Protestors ‘Opportunists’
In response to the backlash, Ghosh attempted to justify his actions, claiming that the protest was not genuine but rather orchestrated by the ruling TMC to discredit him. Speaking to reporters later, he dismissed the women’s outrage, saying,
“This is not a protest. These are opportunists barking for 500 rupees (Lakshmir Bhandar). Those who bark, Dilip Ghosh will bring up their fathers.”
He further argued that the project was stalled due to political interference and that his efforts as an MP were undermined by the Kharagpur municipality, which he accused of blocking many of his funded projects.
Public Reaction and Growing Calls for Apology
The video of the incident has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism from the public and political leaders alike. Many have demanded a formal apology from Ghosh for his remarks, arguing that such language is unbecoming of a former elected representative.
TMC leader Pradip Sarkar warned that protests against Ghosh would continue unless he issued an apology, stating,
“He should apologize. Otherwise, wherever he goes in Kharagpur, there will be protests. I condemn his remarks. Such language is unbecoming of a former MP.”
A Pattern of Controversies?
This is not the first time that Dilip Ghosh has made headlines for his aggressive rhetoric and controversial statements. The former BJP state president has often courted controversy with his abrasive political style, previously making provocative comments against political opponents and activists.
However, this latest incident—where he allegedly threatened women in public—has intensified scrutiny on his conduct, raising concerns about the culture of disrespect in Indian politics and the treatment of women in public discourse.
What’s Next?
As public pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether Ghosh will retract his remarks or continue to defend his stance. The BJP leadership has not yet issued a formal statement on the controversy, but with elections approaching, this incident could further strain the party’s standing in West Bengal, where political tensions between the BJP and TMC remain high.
For now, Ghosh’s remarks have reignited a larger debate about accountability, respect for women in politics, and the responsibilities of elected leaders—both past and present.
