kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, August 4:  BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya issued a strong warning against extortion, corruption and irregularities within the party, West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh has also delivered a stern message to party leaders and workers following the BJP’s formation of a new government in the state. Along with advising newly elected legislators and representatives to stay away from the temptation and arrogance of power, Ghosh warned those allegedly involved in extortion and corruption during the Trinamool Congress government not to attempt to re-establish their influence under the new political dispensation.

Addressing party workers and newly elected representatives on Sunday, Dilip Ghosh claimed that a section of people associated with extortion, syndicates and corruption during the previous TMC government is now attempting to change its political position and establish close links with BJP leaders and workers. According to him, some individuals from the old network are trying to get closer to members of the BJP after the change in government. However, he made it clear that neither the BJP nor the new state government would provide any protection or political shelter to such networks.

Ghosh said that the culture of extortion, syndicates and corruption that had allegedly continued for years could not be eliminated overnight. Changing such a deeply rooted political and administrative culture, he maintained, would take time. At the same time, he cautioned party workers and local leaders against allowing individuals with questionable backgrounds to gain access to positions of influence.

The Panchayat and Rural Development Minister also issued a direct warning to newly elected legislators and representatives, urging them not to become intoxicated by the power and authority that comes with office. He stressed that holding a position of power should never become an excuse for arrogance or misuse of authority. According to Ghosh, the new representatives must constantly remember the reason why people voted for the BJP and brought about a political change in the state.

Ghosh said that the mandate given by the people carries a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Being in government, he pointed out, means serving the people and addressing their problems rather than pursuing personal interests. He therefore urged newly elected representatives to remain careful about their conduct, public dealings and administrative decisions.

The BJP leader also made it clear that the party would maintain strict internal discipline. Ghosh, a former state BJP president, said that the activities of party leaders and workers were being closely monitored. If anyone is found to have violated the party’s principles and discipline or if allegations of corruption against any leader or worker are established, appropriate action would be taken at both the organisational and legal levels.

His remarks assume significance as the BJP leadership seeks to establish its image as a government committed to transparency and accountability. The warning also reflects the party’s concern that individuals associated with the alleged corruption and extortion networks of the previous regime may attempt to adapt to the new political environment and maintain their influence through newly established connections.

Similar warning had already come from BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya on Saturday. He had cautioned party leaders and workers that there would be no compromise if allegations of extortion, corruption or irregularities emerged at any level of the organisation. He had stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and ensuring that the party’s image was not damaged by the actions of individual leaders or workers.

Dilip Ghosh’s latest remarks have therefore reinforced the message delivered by Shamik Bhattacharya. The statements from the two senior BJP leaders indicate that the party leadership is placing considerable emphasis on the conduct and public image of its leaders and workers under the new government.

The message is particularly significant for newly elected representatives who are assuming public office for the first time under the BJP administration. The leadership appears keen to ensure that the transition of power does not lead to a repetition of practices that the party had criticised while in opposition.

Ghosh’s warning also carries a broader political message: those who have entered public life under the BJP banner will be expected to remain accountable to the electorate. The leadership has made it clear that political power must be treated as a responsibility rather than a privilege.

With both Shamik Bhattacharya and Dilip Ghosh speaking publicly against extortion, corruption and misuse of power, the BJP leadership has sought to send a strong signal that individuals attempting to exploit the change in government for personal gain will not be tolerated. The coming months will determine how effectively these warnings are translated into organisational discipline and administrative action.