Suvendu Adhikari Files Nomination for Nandigram: A Key Political Battle in West Bengal
Synopsis
On March 30, Suvendu Adhikari filed his nomination as the BJP candidate from Nandigram, setting the stage for a significant political showdown against Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal's upcoming Assembly elections. The contest promises to be a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari files nomination as BJP candidate from Nandigram.
Adhikari has previously served as a legislator for both Trinamool Congress and BJP.
Nandigram elections are scheduled for April 23 .
Adhikari is also contesting from Bhabanipur against Mamata Banerjee.
This election marks a crucial political contest in West Bengal.
Kolkata, March 30 (NationPress) On Monday, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, officially submitted his nomination as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore, West Bengal.
Adhikari, a seasoned politician, has represented Nandigram twice—first as a member of the Trinamool Congress from 2016 to 2021 and subsequently as a BJP member since 2021. The Nandigram constituency is set to vote during the initial phase of the two-part Assembly elections on April 23.
In addition to Nandigram, Adhikari is also contesting from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in south Kolkata. Here, he faces off against the Trinamool Congress candidate and current Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, with voting scheduled for April 29 in this second phase.
Accompanied by prominent figures including former BJP national vice-president and state party president Dilip Ghosh and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Adhikari led an impressive procession to the Sub-Divisional Officer's office in Haldia to file his nomination.
Alongside Adhikari, two other BJP candidates from East Midnapore, Subhash Panja from Mahishadal and Pradip Kumar Bijli from Haldia, also completed their nomination submissions.
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Adhikari notably won from Nandigram by a razor-thin margin, defeating the incumbent Mamata Banerjee by under 2,000 votes.
Subsequently, Banerjee retained her leadership as Chief Minister after winning a by-election in Bhabanipur.
This marks the second direct electoral contest between Adhikari and Banerjee.
In a surprising move, the Trinamool Congress has nominated Pabitra Kar, a former close aide of Adhikari, for the Nandigram seat, just hours before announcing its candidate list.
Point of View
The filing of nominations by Suvendu Adhikari highlights the competitive nature of West Bengal politics. The direct contest between Adhikari and Banerjee is particularly noteworthy, given their prior electoral history. The outcome of these elections could shape the political trajectory of the state in the coming years.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Nandigram Assembly constituency.
What is the significance of the Nandigram constituency?
Nandigram is significant due to its historical political importance and as a battleground between major parties, particularly between Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee.
When will the elections take place?
The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, including Nandigram, is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29.
Who is Mamata Banerjee?
Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal and the Trinamool Congress candidate contesting against Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.
What is the political history of Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram?
Suvendu Adhikari won the Nandigram seat in the 2021 elections, defeating Mamata Banerjee by a narrow margin.
