They exchanged turbans and garlands! The display of courtesy between Dilip and Suvendu has sparked fresh discussions in the election-bound state of Bengal.

Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: The relationship between Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari has long been a subject of discussion in state politics. Characterized by a blend of occasional courtesy and intermittent cold wars, their dynamic has evolved over time. However, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, this relationship appears to have taken a new turn. Dilip Ghosh was present when Suvendu filed his nomination papers in Nandigram. Conversely, on the day Dilip filed his nomination in Kharagpur, the roles were reversed—this time, Suvendu was in attendance. Their interaction went beyond mere presence; scenes of mutual courtesy—including the exchange of turbans and the garlanding of one another in a gesture of respect—were prominently displayed on the stage. Given the context of their past history, this display came as a surprise to many observers.

Does this "politics of courtesy" conceal a deeper strategy? A section of the political establishment believes the message from the central leadership is clear: projecting an image of unity is imperative ahead of the elections. This, perhaps, explains the public display of this seemingly "cordial" relationship.

Notably, it was previously perceived that a rift had developed between Dilip Ghosh and the party—a situation attributed to his shifting constituencies and subsequent defeat in the last Lok Sabha elections, followed by his visit to the Jagannath Dham in Digha with his wife at the invitation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, following the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to the state, Ghosh has returned to an active role within the party. It was from this juncture that fresh speculation regarding the Suvendu-Dilip dynamic began to emerge.

That said, the situation is not entirely free of friction. In a recent remark, Dilip Ghosh hinted that he does not favor a "familiar face" as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate. According to political observers, this comment was indirectly aimed at Suvendu. This is because Suvendu has already contested—and won—from two key constituencies, Nandigram and Bhabanipur, and speculation regarding him as the potential Chief Ministerial candidate remains intense. Nevertheless, no signs of bitterness have surfaced publicly; instead, by attending each other's nomination ceremonies, both leaders have effectively conveyed a message of mutual courtesy.

According to political analysts, this shift in behavior is driven by electoral strategy. Although he was not the party's primary face during the 2021 elections, Suvendu has significantly consolidated his position over the past five years while serving as the Leader of the Opposition. Consequently, the responsibility for the results of the 2026 elections will rest upon him as well.

In this context, political observers believe that—despite internal party differences—the immediate priority is to project a united front to the outside world. Therefore, regardless of the underlying tensions within their relationship, the BJP's top leadership is determined not to let any signs of discord surface publicly ahead of the elections.