Some of the-watched contests within the first section of the Bengal meeting elections to be held on April 23 will happen in Kharagpur Sadar in Pashim Medinipur district, the place former state president Dilip Ghosh of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion will tackle former TMC MLA Pradip Sarkar. After a stint as an MP and subsequent defeat from Bardhaman Durgapur within the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ghosh returned to the seat the place he began his electoral profession a decade in the past.
Within the interview, Ghosh talked about the particular intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, meals coverage and the BJP’s promise to implement the seventh Pay Fee suggestions. excerpt:
* In 2024, you misplaced the Lok Sabha elections from Bardhaman Durgapur and now you might be again right here. Is that this your litmus check?
I received as MLA right here in Kharagpur in 2016. In 2019, he received the Lok Sabha seat. And in 2021 too, the BJP received a parliamentary seat. Though we misplaced within the 2024 Lok Sabha contest, we had a lead right here. Kharagpur is with the Bharatiya Janata Occasion and the Bharatiya Janata Occasion is at all times with Kharagpur. I used to be despatched right here as a result of that was my outdated seat. My purpose this time is to exceed 100,000 votes, one thing nobody has ever achieved earlier than.
*TMC is concentrating on your get together over Bengali tradition and ‘Ashmita (pleasure)’. How do you argue with that?
Bengalis are a minority right here, accounting for 38%. Telugu audio system make up 30%, and there are additionally Odias, Hindi-speaking folks from Bihar and UP, and Marathi- and Punjabi-speaking folks. It is a cosmopolitan metropolis, a mini-India. In order that they (TMC) are speaking about Bengalis and appearing out the drama of nominating non-Bengalis as parliamentary candidates. Is there nobody in Bengal who’s certified to symbolize the state of Delhi? Does Yusuf Pathan perceive something about Bengal or does he converse Bengali? Shatrughan Sinha and Kirti Azad are at present representing Bengal.
*TMC additionally claimed that non-vegetarian meals, together with fish, will likely be banned if the BJP involves energy.
Bengalis like to eat fish, and that fish comes from Andhra Pradesh. why? What did you (TMC) do for 15 years? They confirmed photos of fish and inspired folks to vote, however they haven’t made the folks self-reliant. Farmers who produce rice and potatoes are dying. Their assets are being plundered. As soon as we come to energy, we are going to guarantee the security of our farmers and fishermen and make Bengal self-sufficient in fish manufacturing once more.
*TMC alleged that central companies and the Election Fee are in collusion with the BJP. What’s your response to this allegation?
It’s stated that regardless of who’s in energy on the heart, the central establishments are of their palms. Nevertheless, they’re impartial entities. By that logic, additionally they say that the Supreme Courtroom is within the palms of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion and the Parliament can be within the palms of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion as a result of they don’t respect them. There’s a political bent right here. You’re going to be going towards the Heart, then going towards these establishments, and within the course of going towards the state. Now, if the CAA is handed, there will likely be a hearth right here. If the Wakf Invoice is handed, there will likely be a hearth right here. Why does not that occur in different components of the nation? That is executed deliberately. The state authorities will make it occur. That is their politics. All the pieces will settle down in two days. If Kashmir will get cooler, Bengal will certainly get cooler too.
* Instantly after assuming workplace, the Bharatiya Janata Occasion promised to arrange the seventh Pay Fee for state civil servants. Given the nation’s debt scenario, the place will the funds come from?
When our Prime Minister utters a phrase, he’s accountable. We’re in energy in 21 states and have carried out many initiatives to make farmers, the poor, girls and youth self-reliant. Bengal was a frontrunner in financial and different facets. It must be returned to its place. The middle will think about it. In different states you are able to do it (why cannot we?)…Right here (Bengal) you may get all the pieces. It is simply that the administration is unsuitable. I’ll right that.
*Is SIR the most important concern on this election?
The TMC has taken concern with the truth that votes from deceased voters are usually not out there this time. Bengal’s issues are girls’s security, corruption, and lack of trade and employment.
*Matua voters have traditionally supported the BJP. Nevertheless, many matua are overlooked of the roll. Will it have an effect on your outlook?
Matuas wasn’t the one one whose vote was deleted. What number of matua are there? We instructed folks from Bangladesh to use (for citizenship) below the CAA (Citizenship Modification Act). The TMC has instructed them to cease as it’ll show that they’re foreigners. Those that heard their tales had their names eliminated… (however) don’t fret, it (being included on the roll) will occur subsequent time. The individuals who listened to us are nonetheless voters.
*TMC claimed that there was a “secret deal” between the Bharatiya Janata Occasion and Humayun Kabir’s AJUP?
This reply has already been given by Amit Shah. The Bharatiya Janata Occasion would relatively stay within the opposition for 20 years than type an alliance with those that are constructing the Babri Masjid.
*There are numerous discussions concerning the “outdated BJP” and the “new BJP.” Has the BJP lastly been capable of finding a stability between the 2?
Whether or not it is outdated or new is a matter of perspective. How lengthy does it take to grow to be an “outdated man” – 1 yr, 2 years, or 10 years? That approach I will nonetheless be “new” even after 10 years. Individuals be a part of us and progressively adapt to our ideology. If they cannot do this, they go away.
