New BJP Bengal chief sends a message: ‘Party above self, nation above party’

“Party is bigger than the individual and the country is bigger than the party. This backdrop is a reflection of that,” Bhattacharya explained.

However, he reaffirmed his commitment to close collaboration with prominent party leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh and former party state chief Sukanta Majumdar.

Addressing a query about why Adhikari’s poster was removed from the entrance, Bhattacharya said, “His influence extends beyond our gate; it resonates in every Bengali heart. The people never stop calling his name. Even the TMC remembers Suvendu’s name. They keep uttering his name.”

“Suvendu Adhikari has greater responsibility as he is Leader of Opposition. He has to interact with people every day. Their statement is also reflected in his mouth. People of West Bengal do not want to make this state another Bangladesh after the Murshidabad incident. What we are saying doesn’t matter,” Bhattacharya added.

Speculation also swirled over the absence of Dilip Ghosh, who did not attend the programme when Bhattacharya took over charge in his new role, two days ago.

Dismissing the doubts Bhattacharya said, “Dilip Ghosh did not go anywhere. He won’t go anywhere, Dilip Ghosh is not a saleable commodity. The party will make the right decision. Ghosh will be used in the appropriate position. Dilip Ghosh was there, is there, will be,” Bhattacharya said.

He made it clear that Ghosh will not be going to Trinamool Congress.

Defending the slogan “Hindu bhai-bhai,” Bhattacharya elaborated, “Every person who is staying in India is Hindu… We are saying this. We have no difference.”

Bhattacharya also unveiled a portrait of Goddess Kali on stage, invoking Kolkata’s sacred bond with the deity. “Kali Kolkata Wali. We all know that phrase. Kali and Kolkata are synonyms,” he said.

“We don’t want the Chattagram of Bangladesh to be demolished. So, we want to remind people that we have saved our Kali temple in Kolkata and West Bengal.”