Dilip Ghosh’s ‘father’ jab at Mamata triggers uproar, TMC files complaint with poll panel

BJP's Dilip Ghosh makes controversial remarks against Mamata, TMC hits back

The Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint with the State Election Commission against BJP's Dilip Ghosh for his offensive comment against West Bengal chief minister and party leader Mamata Banerjee.

In the complaint filed on March 26, the Trinamool Congress said the BJP’s former state chief Ghosh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Bardhaman-Durgapur, made a “highly objectionable and disrespectful comment” against Banerjee while addressing the mediapersons, which was broadcasted and widely circulated by various news media cannels.

“Your attention is drawn towards Mr Ghosh’s derogatory words that is reproduced here: English transcript- 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 complaint addressed to chief electoral officer said.

TMC files a complaint with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer against BJP MP Dilip Ghosh for "passing derogatory and offensive comment personally attacking Mamata Banerjee, thereby violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC)" pic.twitter.com/iELbTTH6Ii

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024

“The remarks not only attempt to undermine the stature of Mamata Banerjee but also directly attack her personal character and modesty, which amounts to blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. It is expected that our political representatives engage in responsible and respectful dialogue, regardless of ideological differences or political affiliations. Mr. Ghosh's comments not only cross the boundaries of decency but also perpetuate a culture of misogyny and disrespect towards women in positions of power,” the complaint said.

Read: A derogatory post against Kangana Ranaut, an outrage, then a clarification from Congress leader

Banerjee's ministerial colleague Shashi Panja said Ghosh's comments reflected the mentality of his party. "We are all the daughters of India. Wherever we go, we will be the daughters of India. Whichever state we visit we will be its daughter. Will such a man be the public representative? BJP’s DNA and its character are so bad that they are attacking women and Mamata Didi,” Panja said.

The controversy comes close on the heels of a derogatory post against actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been picked as the BJP’s candidate for Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, touched off a firestorm on social media.

A derogatory post against actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been picked as the BJP’s candidate for Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, by a Congress leader touched off a firestorm on social media.

Congress’ social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate said that the Instagram post, which was later deleted, wasn’t put out by her. "As soon as I came to know, I deleted that post. Everyone who knows me, also knows very well that I can never make personal and indecent comments towards any woman. I wanted to know how this happened," she said.

Her party colleague HS Ahir, too, had posted derogatory comments against Ranaut. The National Commission of Women has written to the Election Commission, seeking actions against Shrinate and Ahir.