In a surprising turn of events, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh is set to marry at the age of 61, a significant milestone that has stirred considerable interest in West Bengal politics. The wedding, scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025, will take place at his residence in New Town, Kolkata, where he will tie the knot with 51-year-old Rinku Majumdar, a prominent figure in the BJP's South Kolkata Mahila Morcha.
This marriage marks a notable shift for Ghosh, who has long been recognized as a bachelor in the political arena, particularly among the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where most propagators remain unmarried. Dilip Ghosh's decision to wed has raised eyebrows, especially given his previous stance on personal matters and his active political life.
Ghosh and Majumdar first crossed paths in 2017 during a morning walk at Eco Park in Kolkata. Their relationship blossomed within the context of their shared political affiliation. Majumdar, a divorcee with a 25-year-old son who works in the IT sector, has reportedly played a crucial role in encouraging Ghosh to embrace this new chapter in his life. Close associates have shared that Ghosh's mother, Pushpalata Devi, has been a significant influence, urging him to settle down and expressing concern about who would care for him in her absence. "I will not stand and watch what you will see," she allegedly told him, emphasizing the importance of companionship.
The wedding will be a low-key affair, reflecting Ghosh's preference for simplicity. Only a select group of close family and friends are expected to attend the registration ceremony, which will take place in the evening. This choice aligns with Ghosh's longstanding aversion to ostentation, a quality that has defined both his personal and political life.
Ghosh's political career has been marked by significant milestones. He became the BJP president in West Bengal in December 2016 and has served as an MLA from Kharagpur and an MP from Medinipur. However, his political journey has not been without its challenges. Following a surprising shift in constituencies for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he was moved from Kharagpur to Durgapur-Burdwan, Ghosh faced discontent among his supporters, who accused certain party leaders of plotting against him.
Despite these setbacks, Ghosh's marriage has elicited mixed reactions within the BJP and RSS circles. While some party members express happiness about his personal decision, others within the RSS have reportedly raised concerns, suggesting that Ghosh's marriage might affect his standing as a propagator of the organization. When contacted, an RSS spokesperson indicated that Ghosh is no longer seen as a propagator since he will not be supported by the organization financially.
Ghosh's marriage has also ignited discussions about his political future, particularly regarding the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections in 2026. With speculation swirling about potential candidates for the state BJP presidency, Ghosh's name has been mentioned frequently. However, there are indications that central leadership figures, including Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda, are hesitant to reinstate him in a leadership role, given the party's current dynamics.
On social media, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh acknowledged the wedding with a series of tweets, expressing personal congratulations while hinting at the political implications of Ghosh's decision. He wrote, "Is a senior BJP unmarried leader getting married? The bride is a party worker? Will he disregard the party's advice? If the wedding occurs, best wishes!" Kunal Ghosh's remarks reflect the ongoing tension and scrutiny surrounding Ghosh's personal life amidst the political landscape.
As the date of the wedding approaches, the anticipation grows not only for the private ceremony but also for the potential impact it may have on Ghosh's political career. Will this new chapter in his life bring him closer to the party's core or create further divisions? Only time will tell.
In the realm of West Bengal politics, where personal and political lives often intertwine, Dilip Ghosh's marriage is more than just a personal milestone; it represents a complex interplay of relationships, expectations, and the ever-evolving landscape of political allegiance. As he prepares to embark on this new journey with Rinku Majumdar, many will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.
