BJP Reveals 144 Candidate List for Bengal Elections; Suvendu Adhikari Contests from Two Seats
Synopsis
The BJP has announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, featuring significant names like Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh. This strategic move sets the stage for a competitive election in the state.
Key Takeaways
BJP announces 144 candidates for West Bengal Assembly polls.
Suvendu Adhikari Nandigram and Bhabanipur .
Dilip Ghosh Kharagpur .
Other prominent candidates include Swapan Dasgupta and Rudranil Ghosh .
Majority of candidates are familiar faces from the party.
Kolkata, March 16 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its initial roster of 144 candidates for the upcoming two-phase elections across 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, set to take place on April 23 and April 29.
As anticipated, the party has nominated the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, to contest from two constituencies: his own area of Nandigram in East Midnapore and Bhabanipur in south Kolkata, where the current legislator is Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
If Banerjee decides to run again from Bhabanipur, this will be the second occasion she faces Adhikari since the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Adhikari secured his position as a legislator from Nandigram for the second consecutive time in 2021, overcoming the previous Trinamool Congress candidate, Mamata Banerjee.
Subsequently, Banerjee was elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election, allowing her to maintain her role as Chief Minister for a third straight term.
Another notable figure on the BJP's first list is Dilip Ghosh, the former state BJP president and ex-national vice-president, who is contesting from his previous Assembly constituency of Kharagpur (Sadar) in West Midnapore. Ghosh was elected from this constituency in the 2016 Assembly elections.
It's worth noting that Ghosh resigned from his MLA position in Kharagpur (Sadar) after winning a seat in the Lok Sabha from the Medinipur constituency in the 2019 general elections.
Swapan Dasgupta, a former Rajya Sabha member and journalist-turned-politician, has been nominated from the Rashbehari constituency in south Kolkata.
Also on the list is actor-turned-politician Rudranil Ghosh, who will contest from the Shibpur Assembly constituency in Howrah.
BJP insiders had indicated that most sitting legislators would receive re-nominations, resulting in a lineup of familiar candidates.
However, the absence of Ashok Kumar Lahiri, the sitting BJP MLA from Balurghat in South Dinajpur and a former Chief Economic Adviser to the Union government, is notable. He has been replaced by Vidyut Roy for this election.
Agnimitra Paul, a fashion designer-turned-politician and current BJP legislator, has been re-nominated from her constituency of Asansol (Dakshin) in West Burdwan.
Other prominent sitting MLAs receiving re-nominations include Chandana Bauri from the Saltora constituency in Bankura and Shikha Chattopadhyay from the Dabgram–Phulbari constituency in Jalpaiguri.
Point of View
Showcasing a strategic approach as they gear up for the state's assembly elections. The inclusion of prominent figures underscores the party's intent to create a robust challenge to the incumbent government.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections?
The elections are scheduled to take place on April 23 and April 29.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari contesting against?
Suvendu Adhikari is set to contest against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
How many candidates has the BJP announced?
The BJP has announced a total of 144 candidates in its first list.
Which significant political figures are included in the BJP's list?
Notable candidates include Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, and Swapan Dasgupta.
What is the significance of this candidate list?
This list represents a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its position in West Bengal against the ruling party.
