A Critical Review of Dipak Ghosh's Book on Mamata Banerjee
Dipak Ghosh is a former associate of Mamata Banerjee, the current Chief Minister of West Bengal and the leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). He has written several books on her political career and personal life, some of which are highly controversial and critical. One of his most popular books is "Mamata Banerjee: Jibanta Kabach" (Mamata Banerjee: A Life Shield), which was published in 2012.
In this book, Ghosh presents a detailed analysis of Mamata Banerjee's rise to power, her achievements and failures, her personality and character, and her relationship with various people and groups. He also exposes some of the alleged corruption, nepotism, violence, and authoritarianism that he claims are prevalent within the AITC and the West Bengal government. He accuses Mamata Banerjee of being a liar, a hypocrite, a dictator, and a fraud.
The book has generated a lot of debate and controversy among the readers and the public. Some people have praised Ghosh for his courage and honesty in revealing the truth about Mamata Banerjee, while others have condemned him for trying to defame and malign her image and reputation. The book is currently out of print and may be hard to find.
In this article, we will review some of the main arguments and evidence that Ghosh provides in his book to support his claims. We will also examine some of the counter-arguments and criticisms that have been raised against his book by Mamata Banerjee's supporters and admirers. We will try to evaluate the validity and reliability of Ghosh's book as a source of information and insight on Mamata Banerjee.
The Main Arguments of Ghosh's Book
Ghosh's book is divided into 23 chapters, each dealing with a different aspect of Mamata Banerjee's life and politics. Some of the main arguments that he makes in his book are:
- Mamata Banerjee has lied about her educational qualifications, her family background, and her father's profession. Ghosh claims that she has not completed her graduation from Jogamaya Devi College as she claims, but has only passed the higher secondary examination from Deshbandhu Sishu Sikshalaya. He also alleges that she has fabricated her date of birth, her caste certificate, and her father's occupation as a freedom fighter and lawyer.
- Mamata Banerjee has illegally occupied a large portion of the premises at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street, Kolkata, which is now her official residence as the Chief Minister. Ghosh says that she has encroached upon the land and the building that belong to someone else, and has not paid any rent or taxes for it. He also accuses her of using public funds and resources to renovate and decorate the premises.
- Mamata Banerjee is not a spinster as she claims, but has a secret husband and a son. Ghosh claims that he has seen her wearing sindoor (a vermilion mark on the forehead of a married Hindu woman) and a mangalsutra (a sacred necklace worn by a married Hindu woman) on several occasions. He also says that he has met her husband, who is a businessman from Bihar, and her son, who is studying abroad.
- Mamata Banerjee is a corrupt politician who has amassed huge wealth through illegal means. Ghosh alleges that she has taken bribes from various sources, such as businessmen, contractors, chit fund operators, and foreign agencies. He also says that she has misused public funds for her personal expenses, such as buying expensive sarees, paintings, books, and jewellery. He also accuses her of having offshore bank accounts and properties in foreign countries.
- Mamata Banerjee is a dictator who does not tolerate any dissent or criticism. Ghosh says that she has suppressed the democratic functioning of the AITC and the West Bengal government. He says that she does not hold any party elections or issue any formal membership cards. He also says that she does not consult anyone or take any collective decisions, but imposes her whims and fancies on everyone. He also accuses her of harassing and intimidating anyone who opposes or questions her.
The Counter-Arguments and Criticisms of Ghosh's Book
Ghosh's book has been met with strong opposition and condemnation from Mamata Banerjee's supporters and admirers. Some of the counter-arguments and criticisms that have been raised against his book are:
- Ghosh's book is based on false and fabricated information, without any documentary evidence or proof. His allegations are motivated by personal vendetta and political rivalry. He is trying to malign Mamata Banerjee's image and reputation for his own selfish interests.
- Ghosh's book is full of inconsistencies and contradictions. He has changed his statements and opinions several times. He has praised Mamata Banerjee in the past, when he was associated with her, but now he is criticizing her after being expelled from the party. He has also praised some of the people whom he now accuses of being corrupt or anti-national.
- Ghosh's book is irrelevant and outdated. It does not reflect the current reality and achievements of Mamata Banerjee. She has transformed West Bengal into a model state with development, welfare, peace, and harmony. She has won the trust and confidence of the people with her honesty, simplicity, courage, and charisma.
- Ghosh's book is unethical and immoral. He has violated the norms of decency and respect by making personal attacks on Mamata Banerjee's character and private life. He has also violated the law by publishing defamatory and seditious material without any permission or authority.
- Ghosh's book is insignificant and inconsequential. It does not have any impact or influence on the people or the politics of West Bengal. It is a cheap publicity stunt by a disgruntled and frustrated person who has no credibility or popularity.
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