Dilip apologises for comments on Mamata, but says TMC playing ‘women card’

 BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said that wherever Mamata Banerjee goes, she calls herself the daughter of that state, and "she must identify her own father"

ANI, Mar 27 2024 : Swnior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday apologised for his remarks on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that triggered a massive controversy.

The apology came hours after the BJP sought an explanation from Ghosh, who was heard mocking the family background of Banerjee in a purported video clip.

Maintaining that his party and other people have reservations about his choice of words, Ghosh said, "If it is so, I am sorry for that."

The TMC filed a complaint with the Election Commission against him over his comments, alleging that it violated the model code of conduct (MCC).

Ghosh, the former state BJP president, said he has no  personal enmity with the chief minister.

"This is not the first time that a controversy has erupted over my comments since I say it on the face of anyone who does any wrong," he said.

Ghosh claimed that he had only protested Banerjee's political statements.

He, however, hastened to add that though the issue of women's respect was raised over his comments, a TMC leader had used derogatory words against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and his father Sisir Adhikari.

"Does Suvendu not expect respect because he is a man?" he asked, speaking to reporters in Durgapur.

The Medinipur MP, who has been fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat this time by the BJP, on Tuesday mocked TMC's slogan of "Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter)".

"When she goes to Goa, she says she is the daughter of Goa. In Tripura, she says she is the daughter of Tripura. First, let her clarify...," he said.

BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said his party does not support such remarks about women and that too against someone who is a chief minister, and that is why an explanation was sought from Ghosh.

PTI; The apology followed hours after the BJP sought clarification from Ghosh, who was captured on video mocking the Trinamool Congress supremo’s family background.

Later in the day, the EC issued a show-cause notice, prompted by a complaint from the TMC, asking the Lok Sabha candidate, to respond by March 29.

According to the English translation of Ghosh’s remark, as provided by the EC in its notice, he had said: “When Didi goes to Goa, she becomes Goa’s daughter, in Tripura, she says I am Tripura’s daughter, decide who is your father, this is not right”.

The EC deemed the comment offensive, insulting, and prima facie a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the commission’s earlier advisory.

The poll authority reminded the Lok Sabha MP of the provision of the MCC which states that criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work.

Earlier in the day, Ghosh expressed regret for his remarks, acknowledging that both his party and the general public had reservations about his choice of words.

“If it is so, I am sorry for that,” Ghosh, known for making controversial remarks, said.

Ghosh, a former state BJP president, clarified that he harbours no personal animosity towards the chief minister.

“This is not the first time that a controversy has erupted over my comments since I say it on the face of anyone who does any wrong,” he said.

He defended his statements as a response to Banerjee’s political rhetoric, which he claimed aimed to “confuse” the public.

Responding to criticism, Ghosh questioned the selective use of the “women card” by the TMC, citing derogatory remarks made by a TMC leader against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and his father.

“Does Suvendu not expect respect because he is a man?” he asked, speaking to reporters in Durgapur.

Ghosh emphasized that respect should not be gender-specific, highlighting the need for parity in political discourse.

The Medinipur MP, who has been fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat this time by the BJP, on Tuesday mocked TMC’s slogan of “Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter)”.

Denouncing the comments, the BJP in a communication to Ghosh said the comment was “unparliamentary” and against the culture of the party.

Party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya emphasised that the BJP does not endorse disrespectful remarks, particularly towards a sitting chief minister, hence the demand for explanation from Ghosh.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury echoed similar sentiments, condemning the use of derogatory language in politics, regardless of party affiliation.

“We condemn whoever does so, whether he is in BJP, TMC or the Congress,” he said.