Bharati Ghosh, a name synonymous with resilience, bravery, and transformation, is a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who transitioned from a decorated law enforcement career to a prominent political figure in India. Known for her unwavering dedication to public service, Ghosh made significant contributions during her tenure as an IPS officer, particularly in tackling Naxalite insurgency in West Bengal. Today, she stands as a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), showcasing her versatility and commitment to societal change.
Early Life and Education
Bharati Ghosh was born in April 1962 in Kolkata, West Bengal, into an academically accomplished family. Her father, Late Dr. Ramesh Chandra Ghosh, was a distinguished scholar with an MA and PhD from Oxford University, UK. He served as the Centenary Professor of Public Administration at Calcutta University and headed the Department of Political Science at Presidency College, Calcutta. Her mother, Late Dr. Mrs. Bela Ghosh, held an MA, MSc, and PhD from the London School of Economics, UK, and was the Head of the Department of Political Science at Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta. Growing up in such an intellectually stimulating environment, Bharati was naturally inclined toward education and excellence.
She pursued her higher education at Jadavpur University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1990. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Burdwan University, completed in 2000-01, and a graduate course in International Marketing and Psycho-Analytic Theory from Harvard University in 1989. Her academic credentials reflect a blend of administrative, legal, and international perspectives, which later shaped her multifaceted career.
Bharati is married to Mr. M.A.V. Raju, a Chartered Accountant who served as the General Manager of the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE) for 26 years until February 2018. His career took a dramatic turn when he was compelled to resign due to alleged state repression linked to Bharati’s refusal to join the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.
Career as an IPS Officer
Bharati Ghosh joined the Indian Police Service in 1994 as part of the West Bengal cadre, beginning her journey in law enforcement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Over the years, she rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a fearless and efficient officer. One of her most notable assignments was serving as the first female Superintendent of Police (SP) in West Bengal, overseeing the Maoist-affected districts of Jhargram and Paschim (West) Midnapore from 2012 to 2017.
During her tenure in Junglemahal, a region plagued by Naxalite violence, Ghosh spearheaded efforts to restore peace and normalcy. She initiated the surrender of hundreds of Maoists, earning the trust of the local tribal Adivasi and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities. Her success in curbing insurgency earned her the Chief Minister’s Medal for Commendable Service. However, her proximity to then-TMC leader Mukul Roy and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later turned into a point of contention.
In December 2017, after being transferred to a less significant post as the commandant of the third battalion of the state armed police, Ghosh resigned from the IPS. She returned the medal and certificate she had received from the state government, signaling a dramatic fallout with Mamata Banerjee, whom she once affectionately called “Maa” (mother).
International Experience with the United Nations
Before her high-profile stint in West Bengal, Bharati Ghosh served the international community under the United Nations for six years. During this period, she underwent specialized training at prestigious institutions, including the International Police Academy in Bramshill, UK, the Embakasi Military Institute in Kenya, and the Police Training Academy in Jordan. Her work focused on international peace and security, bilateral and multilateral negotiations, and peacekeeping missions, showcasing her global exposure and expertise.
Her most commendable contribution came during her leadership of a UN peacekeeping team in Congo, where she brought accolades to India through her exemplary service. This international experience enriched her understanding of law enforcement and diplomacy, adding depth to her domestic career.
Political Journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Following her resignation from the IPS in December 2017, Bharati Ghosh’s career took a sharp turn toward politics. In February 2019, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and senior BJP leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Mukul Roy. Her decision to join the BJP came amid allegations of “thugocracy” replacing democracy in West Bengal, a stance she vocalized strongly.
Ghosh contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Ghatal constituency in West Bengal but faced significant challenges, including physical attacks and violence allegedly orchestrated by TMC supporters. On May 19, 2019, during the sixth phase of the elections, she was assaulted and injured at a polling station, an incident that drew national attention. Despite the setbacks, she persisted in her political journey.
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Ghosh contested from the Debra constituency in Paschim Medinipur district, facing off against her former colleague Humayun Kabir, a TMC candidate. Although she did not win, her campaign highlighted her resilience and determination. In November 2021, the BJP appointed her as a national spokesperson, recognizing her as a fighter and a valuable asset to the party’s efforts to challenge the TMC’s dominance in West Bengal.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Bharati Ghosh’s illustrious career has not been without controversies. In 2018, the West Bengal CID labeled her an “absconder” and filed a chargesheet against her, accusing her of corruption, extortion, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The charges stemmed from a complaint by a local gold trader, Chandan Maji, who alleged that police officers under Ghosh’s command extorted 375 grams of gold from him. Ghosh, her husband M.A.V. Raju, and several associates were implicated in the case.
Raids on her properties reportedly uncovered cash, gold, and documents, though Ghosh maintained that the allegations were politically motivated. She claimed that the gold in question was a gift from her father, a zamindar from Madhupur, declared before she joined the police force. Her husband was arrested in August 2018, and her former security guard, Sujit Mondal, was apprehended in Delhi in December 2018. Ghosh sought legal recourse, and in April 2021, the Supreme Court ordered that a non-bailable arrest warrant against her be kept in abeyance until the conclusion of the assembly polls.
Despite the legal battles, Ghosh has consistently denied the charges, alleging that the TMC government fabricated evidence to tarnish her reputation after she refused to align with them politically.
Personal Life and Assets
Bharati Ghosh leads a relatively private personal life, with her husband M.A.V. Raju being her steadfast partner through her tumultuous career shifts. Raju, now a practicing Chartered Accountant in New Delhi with P.K. Gaur & Associates, has faced his own share of challenges due to his wife’s political and legal struggles.
In terms of wealth, Ghosh has declared assets worth over Rs. 19.21 crore, making her one of the richest candidates in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections’ second phase, according to the West Bengal Election Watch. Her financial standing reflects a combination of inherited wealth and earnings from her long career in public service.
Legacy and Impact
Bharati Ghosh’s journey—from a trailblazing IPS officer to a defiant political leader—embodies resilience and courage. Her efforts in curbing Maoist insurgency in Junglemahal left a lasting impact on West Bengal’s security landscape, while her political career continues to challenge the status quo in a state dominated by the TMC. As a BJP national spokesperson, she remains a vocal advocate for change, drawing on her extensive experience to shape her political narrative.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Bharati Ghosh
- First Female SP in West Bengal: She was the first woman to serve as Superintendent of Police in the state.
- UN Peacekeeping Veteran: Ghosh led a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, earning international recognition.
- Harvard Graduate: She completed a graduate course at Harvard University in 1989.
- Naxalite Fighter: She played a key role in the surrender of hundreds of Maoists in Junglemahal.
- Chief Minister’s Medal: She received this honor for her commendable service, which she later returned.
- Political Shift: Once close to Mamata Banerjee, she joined the BJP after a fallout with the TMC.
- Election Violence Survivor: She faced multiple life-threatening attacks during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
- Legal Battles: The CID labeled her an absconder, but she fought back with Supreme Court intervention.
- Wealthy Candidate: Her declared assets exceed Rs. 19 crore, showcasing her financial standing.
- National Spokesperson: She was appointed a BJP national spokesperson in November 2021.
FAQs About Bharati Ghosh
- Who is Bharati Ghosh?
Bharati Ghosh is a former IPS officer from West Bengal who joined the BJP in 2019 and now serves as its national spokesperson. - What was her role in the IPS?
She served as the SP of Maoist-affected districts in West Bengal and worked with the UN on peacekeeping missions. - Why did she resign from the IPS?
She resigned in December 2017 after being transferred to a less significant post amid tensions with the TMC government. - When did she join the BJP?
She joined the BJP in February 2019 in New Delhi. - What controversies surround her?
She faced charges of extortion and corruption from the West Bengal CID, which she claims are politically motivated. - Did she win any elections?
No, she lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. - What is her educational background?
She holds an MBA from Jadavpur University, an LLB from Burdwan University, and a course from Harvard. - Who is her husband?
Her husband, M.A.V. Raju, is a Chartered Accountant and former General Manager of the Calcutta Stock Exchange. - What awards has she received?
She received the Chief Minister’s Medal for Commendable Service, which she later returned. - What is her current role in the BJP?
She serves as a national spokesperson, amplifying the party’s voice in West Bengal and beyond.
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