BJP’s national vice-president Dilip Ghosh on Thursday added to the factionalism-ridden Bengal unit’s embarrassment when he questioned the removal of old timers from the state committee during its revamp earlier this year.

“Sukanta Majumdar (Bengal BJP president) is not alone (responsible for the party’s state of affairs). He has just been deputed as the party chief and lacks experience,” Ghosh, who preceded Majumdar as the state BJP chief, told journalists on Thursday. Ghosh was reacting to the recent incidents of factional feud in the state BJP.

“Our party has been struggling for a long time. There are several eligible individuals who must be used in the party. The common people have come out on the streets for our party after being inspired by these leaders. They must be given due importance. Eligible people must not be left out,” Ghosh added.

According to sources, Ghosh’s attack was directed at state general secretary (organisation) Amitava Chakraborty, who has been on the receiving end of most criticism for the past few months. Through his statement, Ghosh shifted the onus of responsibility from Majumdar to Chakraborty, sources said.

It is an open secret in the BJP that Ghosh and Chakraborty are not on cordial terms.

“Dilipda is a disciplined party worker. He wouldn’t speak out against anyone publicly. But his hints are clear. Everyone was otherwise criticising Sukantada’s organisational abilities,” a source close to Ghosh said.

Majumdar refused to react to Ghosh’s statement. “I do not react to statements made by BJP leaders,” Majumdar said.

A handful of BJP old-timers gathered in front of the party’s state headquarters here on Thursday demanding a change of guard in the state leadership.

Factional feuds were reported from various parts on Thursday. In Raghunathganj, two factions of the BJP clashed and one of the groups has written to the central leadership seeking the removal of the Murshidabad district president.

On the other hand, in Singur, Sukanta Burman, a former mandal chief, lashed out at Majumdar for being an “unequipped leader”.