kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, October 1: West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Thursday stepped up his attack on the INDIA bloc, questioning the alliance's leadership and internal coordination while claiming that no Opposition leader has the courage to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and defeat it in an election.

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Thursday morning, Ghosh questioned who actually leads the INDIA bloc and alleged that the constituent parties of the alliance do not share mutual respect. His comments came amid renewed political activity by INDIA bloc parties, which recently announced a joint programme of protests against the Election Commission over issues linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

“Who is the leader of the INDIA alliance? These people do not respect each other... No one has the courage to fight the BJP in elections and defeat the BJP,” Ghosh said while speaking to the media.

The remarks reflect the latest round of political exchanges between the BJP and the Opposition alliance in West Bengal. The INDIA bloc has continued to discuss joint political programmes and coordination among its constituent parties, while BJP leaders have questioned the alliance's unity and effectiveness. Recent reports have also highlighted differences in participation and strategy among Opposition parties around the bloc's meetings and programmes.

Ghosh also sought to underline what he described as public confidence in the BJP. According to him, the party's work for the people has generated satisfaction among ordinary citizens. He further alleged that Opposition parties attempt to influence voters ahead of elections by making political promises and offering what he described as misleading assurances.

“The BJP is working for the people and ordinary citizens are extremely happy with the way it is working. The Opposition, meanwhile, is simply trying to confuse people before elections by presenting various political offerings and making false promises,” Ghosh said.

His comments came at a time when political parties in West Bengal are intensifying their organisational and electoral preparations. The BJP has recently undertaken changes within its state organisation, including adjustments to responsibilities among several leaders, while Opposition parties have been seeking greater coordination on issues involving the Election Commission and electoral rolls.

The INDIA bloc's internal coordination has remained a subject of political debate, with different parties taking varying positions on joint programmes and meetings. At a recent meeting, Opposition leaders discussed coordinated action and broader political cooperation, while some parties maintained distance from particular programmes.

Ghosh's latest comments therefore add another layer to the ongoing political confrontation in Bengal. His criticism focused particularly on the question of leadership within the INDIA bloc and the ability of its constituent parties to work together as a cohesive Opposition force. The remarks are part of the broader political contest between the BJP and Opposition parties as preparations continue for upcoming electoral battles in the state.

The BJP leader's statement is also notable against the backdrop of his current role in the West Bengal government. Ghosh has been handling the Panchayat and Rural Development portfolios in the state Cabinet, while his recent public interventions have continued to address both administrative issues and political developments.

For the Opposition, meanwhile, coordination around common political issues remains an ongoing process. The INDIA bloc's recent programmes have focused on issues concerning the Election Commission and electoral roll revision, with participating parties seeking to present a coordinated position. The BJP has responded by questioning the alliance's internal unity and political effectiveness.

Ghosh's remarks are consequently likely to add to the political exchanges surrounding the INDIA bloc, BJP and the wider electoral landscape in West Bengal, where parties are already stepping up organisational activity and public campaigning ahead of the next round of political contests.