FIR Lodged Against BJP MP Dilip Ghosh for Remarks Against Mamata Banerjee

An FIR has been filed against BJP MP Dilip Ghosh in Durgapur, West Bengal, following his controversial remarks targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This comes after the Election Commission on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Ghosh seeking an explanation by March 29, over his "derogatory comment" stating that it is "undignified and in bad taste."

The Durgapur Police have registered one FIR thus far, citing sections 504 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code. These sections pertain to offenses related to intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman, respectively. Both sections are bailable.

In a widely circulated video on social media, Ghosh was seen mocking the ancestry of West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Supremo Mamata Banerjee. The BJP MP's comment was linked to the Trinamool Congress's slogan during the 2021 Bengal Assembly polls, 'Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chaye' (Bengal wants its own daughter). "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,” said Ghosh.

Thereafter, the Trinamool Congress filed a complaint against Ghosh with the Election Commission, prompting the poll body to deem the remarks offensive, insulting, and potentially violating the Model Code of Conduct. Subsequently, the BJP also demanded clarification from Ghosh regarding his statements.

The Election Commission in a show-cause notice reminded the BJP MP of the provisions within the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing that criticism of other political parties should focus on policies, programs, past records, and work, rather than personal attacks.

Amidst the controversy, Ghosh expressed regret, acknowledging reservations from both his party and the public regarding his choice of words. Despite his apology, Ghosh clarified that his remarks were in response to Banerjee's political rhetoric, which he deemed as attempting to mislead the public, emphasizing that he holds no personal animosity towards the chief minister. Ghosh defended his statements, stating that he speaks out against any wrongdoing, regardless of the individual involved.​