West Bengal Minister Warns BJP Workers Against Corruption and Extortion

Minister's Strong Stance on Corruption

On August 2, in Kolkata, Dilip Ghosh, the Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development in West Bengal, issued a stern warning to members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding their alleged connections with individuals involved in extortion or corrupt practices. He emphasized that the state government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption without any exceptions.

During a press interaction, Ghosh claimed that many individuals who were involved in corruption and extortion during the previous Trinamool Congress government are now attempting to forge ties with BJP leaders following the change in administration.

He stated, “The culture of extortion will not vanish overnight. Those involved in corruption are trying to get close to our party leaders and workers.” The minister noted that some BJP members are finding it challenging to resist such influences and cautioned party officials against being swayed.

Without naming anyone specifically, Ghosh targeted certain newly elected BJP legislators, suggesting that some are becoming intoxicated by power and that extortionists are trying to establish close relationships with them. He reminded the public that they voted for change in the state.

As the former president of the BJP's Bengal unit, Ghosh highlighted that the party is closely monitoring the conduct of its leaders. He assured that any deviation from the party's principles would be thoroughly investigated. His remarks came a day after the current president of the BJP's West Bengal unit, Samik Bhattacharya, warned party leaders against involvement in extortion, stating that organizational action would be taken if irregularities persisted.