BJP Reveals Second Candidate List for Bengal Elections with 111 New Nominees
Synopsis
The BJP's second candidate list for the West Bengal Assembly elections includes 111 nominees, bringing the total to 255. With significant names from the entertainment industry and seasoned politicians, the stage is set for an exciting electoral battle.
Key Takeaways
BJP announced its second list of candidates for Bengal elections.
Total of 255 candidates now confirmed.
Includes prominent figures from the entertainment industry.
Uncertainty remains regarding hill constituency candidates.
Most sitting legislators have been re-nominated.
Kolkata, March 19 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its second list of candidates for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, revealing nominees for an additional 111 constituencies. This brings the total number of candidates announced by the party to 255 for the 294-member Assembly. The first list, which was disclosed on March 14, included candidates for 144 constituencies, leaving 39 candidates yet to be revealed.
It remains uncertain whether the BJP will nominate its own candidates for the three hill constituencies of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, or allow its hill alliance partner, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), led by Bimal Gurung, to field candidates there.
The second list includes three individuals from the entertainment sector. Former Rajya Sabha member and actress Roopa Ganguly is set to contest from Sonapur (Dakshin) in the South 24 Parganas district, where she will compete against Trinamool Congress candidate and actress-turned-politician Lovely Moitra.
Actor Hiran Chattopadhyay, a current BJP legislator, has also made it to the second list but will be contesting from Shyampur in Howrah district instead of his previous constituency of Kharagpur (Sadar) in West Midnapore district. The BJP has confirmed that former state party president and ex-national vice-president Dilip Ghosh will represent Kharagpur (Sadar) this time.
Another candidate from the film industry making it to the second list is actress-turned-politician Papiya Adhikari, who will contest from the Tollygunge assembly constituency in South Kolkata.
Former Lok Sabha member from Barrackpore, Arjun Singh, will be the BJP's candidate for Noapara in the North 24 Parganas district. Meanwhile, Kaustav Chattopadhya, a senior counsel from the Calcutta High Court who transitioned to the BJP from Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will represent the party from Barrackpore.
Former Lok Sabha member from Cooch Behar and ex-Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nishith Pramanik, is the BJP’s candidate from Mathabhanga in the Cooch Behar district this election cycle.
Most sitting BJP legislators have received re-nomination in both the first and second candidate lists.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the BJP's strategic approach in selecting candidates for the West Bengal elections. By including notable personalities from various sectors, the party aims to strengthen its appeal across diverse voter demographics while maintaining continuity with seasoned politicians.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of candidates announced by the BJP for the Bengal elections?
The BJP has announced a total of 255 candidates for the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections.
Who are some notable candidates from the second list?
Notable candidates include actress Roopa Ganguly, actor Hiran Chattopadhyay, and actress Papiya Adhikari.
Is the BJP fielding candidates in the hill constituencies?
It remains unclear whether the BJP will field its own candidates in the hill constituencies of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong.
When was the first candidate list released?
The first candidate list was released on March 14.
How many candidates are yet to be announced by the BJP?
The BJP has yet to announce 39 candidates.
