BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh has criticised the "erudite class" and intellectuals in the city for not bothering about corruption and graft cases against the ruling TMC as they are the "beneficiaries" of its "dole politics".

Ghosh, who is known for making off-the-cuff remarks, said it is the people of the rural areas of Bengal who have stood up against the violence and corruption of the TMC regime.

"The people of Kolkata, especially the erudite and the intellectual class are least bothered about corruption and the undemocratic regime of the TMC. They are happy with the dole politics of TMC. They are happy that they are getting Rs 500 from Lakhsmi Bhandar. The people of Kolkata love to remain in their world of make-believe that everything is in order," he said in an interview with a Bengali news channel on Tuesday night.

Lakshmi Bhandar scheme launched by the TMC government provides financial assistance to the woman head of family with low monthly income.

The city's intellectuals have "betrayed the people of the state", said the BJP leader, who had on earlier occasions too criticised them for what he called their "unquestioned support" to TMC.

"What have they (intellectuals) done for the uplift of the people of the state? They have compromised with the ruling TMC instead for doles and rewards," he said.

The Mamata Banerjee government has awarded many intellectuals.

Lauding the spirit of the people of rural Bengal, he said, "They have stood up against TMC's dictatorial regime because they have suffered the most due to its politics and policies. The people of rural Bengal have fought and have given their lives. Most of our cadres who have died due to atrocities by TMC are from rural Bengal," he said.

Reacting to his remarks, senior TMC leader Sougata Roy said BJP and Ghosh have failed to understand Bengal's culture, tradition and psyche.

"The BJP failed to understand Bengal's culture, tradition and psyche. Dilip Ghosh's comment only reflects that mindset," he said.

Refuting Ghosh's claim, poet Subodh Sarkar said intellectuals of West Bengal have always been the voice of conscience and protest and have never betrayed the people of the state .

"But political persons like Dilip Ghosh are using their opposition power to destroy the cultural mosaic and religious harmony of the state. Those who are thieves, dacoits and hooligans must come under the scanner and justice will eventually prevail in the state," the Sahitya Akademi Award winner said.

Noted painter Shuvaprasanna declined to comment on Ghosh's remark but asked What contribution has the BJP leader made for the society and the country?"

"He (Ghosh) is criticizing us, but what is his contribution? I don't feel it is necessary to react to his comments," he said.

Noted writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay declined to comment.

"Dilip Ghosh is a politician and has made few political remarks for his own reasons. I don't think it is suitable for me to comment on it," Mukhopadhyay, who too is a Sahitya Akademi awardee said.

Acclaimed theatre personality and actor Kaushik Sen too declined to comment. "Politicians make such remarks in their own interests," he said.