West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Saturday triggered a controversy by stating that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is the "best choice" for PM post, if it was from Bengal. The BJP leader later cited Banerjee's birthday as the reason for his remark. He said that since January 5 was the CM's birthday, he didn't wish to speak bad about her.
The chief minister and the BJP has been at constant loggerheads over various issues and Ghosh's statement ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha polls left other party leaders embarrassed.
Speaking exclusively to News18.com, Dilip Ghosh cleared the air over his statement in favour of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Here are edited excerpts of the interview:
You made a statement in favour of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee backing her as the fittest person to become a PM (if it is from Bengal). This created political stir in Kolkata, as well in Delhi. Please clarify your political stand and statement?
Actually, media has blown up this issue out of proportion. On Saturday, they asked me to comment on Mamata di's birthday. As a human being I wished her through media and also prayed for her good health. Then, the media asked me that she is emerging as a strong contender for the PM post. I replied and casually said that it's good that she is dreaming of becoming the next PM. I said that she is the fittest candidate for the PM post, if it is from Bengal. It was a banter and nothing else.
Do you think that your statement can confuse party workers, and that too ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls?
Before a politician, I am a human being and I don’t want to hurt anyone on his/her birthday or on any celebratory occasion. Similarly, it is our duty to stand for each other in case of medical emergencies irrespective of party and its ideology. These are basic chapters of life. Above all, do you actually think that anyone else can become the PM in 2019 when Narandra Modi ji is there? Even, our Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and other political leaders wish their rival party leaders on good times and express grief when they go through bad days. It’s a common practice. Similarly, she was dreaming and I just encouraged her on her birthday. One should not see anything else in my statement. One should not speculate much into it.
Would you like to elaborate on it more, especially your experience with rival TMC leaders?
Irrespective of political rivalry, I still remember that on January 24 last year, I received a call which I never expected. It was from Mamata di herself. Despite having political rivalry, she called me to inquire about my health. I fell ill on January 23 during a party event in Kharagpur and I was brought to Kolkata and admitted at AMRI in Salt Lake. She somehow got the news and called up. She inquired about my health and gave some tips. She categorically asked me not to go for operation (for prolapsed intervertebral disc) and wished me speedy recovery. Such gesture is common among human beings. On Saturday, it was her birthday and I simply encouraged her. This does not mean that I said something against my party or I crossed my party line.
Do you think that your statement will hamper your party's 'Ebar Bangla' mission ahead of the Lok Sabha polls?
Not at all. I think people are stretching it too long. Narendra Modi ji is our Prime Minister and he will remain our PM because of his outstanding performance and for pro-people policies. We are going to give our best performance in this election as people are with us. People are fed up of TMC government. Those who are (hinted towards Mamata and Rahul Gandhi) dreaming of becoming PM, should also accept this fact that their dream will not come true. BJP is coming to power in 2019 and there is no doubt about that. Actually, it's "pal bhar ke liye koi hume pyaar karle, jhootha hi sahi" (let someone love me momentarily, even if it's sham) for the Opposition when they think of the PM post. This is only possible in movie and not in politics.
Did anyone from central leadership or from BJP headquarters in Delhi reprimand you for your statement favoring Mamata Banerjee for PM post?
No one. Why should they? I did nothing wrong. Our all India joint organisational secretary Shiv Prakash ji asked me, "Aap kya bol gaye media main, bawandar aagaya (What did you say in media, it has sent ripples across the political field)." I told him it was nothing but just a courtesy to wish someone on her birthday. I told him that someone may instigate people to blow this out. Also, I got a suggestion to make statements carefully from our national president Amit Shah ji’s office in Delhi.
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