Suvendu Adhikari Discusses Dual Candidacy for Bengal Elections
Synopsis
In a recent statement, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, discussed his potential candidacy from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur for the upcoming elections, revealing strategic implications for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's campaign.
Key Takeaways
Suvendu Adhikari may run from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur .
Adhikari prefers to contest from Nandigram this election.
The BJP's decision on candidates is collective and strategic.
Challenges in Bhabanipur could impact Mamata Banerjee's campaign.
Adhikari's dual candidacy could restrict Banerjee's campaign movement.
Kolkata, March 15 (NationPress) - The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, addressed speculation about his potential candidacy from two Assembly constituencies in the forthcoming state elections during a press briefing on Sunday. One of these constituencies is undoubtedly Nandigram in the East Midnapore district, where Adhikari has previously served as a legislator—first from 2016 to 2021 with the Trinamool Congress and thereafter from 2021 onward with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The other possible constituency is Bhabanipur in South Kolkata, currently represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Responding to inquiries about his candidacy, Adhikari refrained from making any definitive statements. He remarked, “In the BJP, decisions are made collectively. The selection of candidates follows this principle. The BJP may or may not approach me for this election. As a dedicated member of the party, I will respect their decision.”
However, he expressed a personal preference for contesting from Nandigram again, stating, “Nandigram is my preferred choice. If the party leadership requests me to run from another seat, I will certainly consider it,” while not revealing any specific second constituency he might be interested in.
It's worth noting that Adhikari successfully secured his position in Nandigram for a second consecutive term in 2021, defeating the then Trinamool Congress candidate and current Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
Subsequently, Banerjee was re-elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election, marking her third consecutive term as Chief Minister.
Political analysts suggest that Bhabanipur could prove to be a tougher challenge for Banerjee this time around, especially given that 47,111 voters have been removed from the constituency in the final voter list published on February 28, along with another 14,154 voters currently undergoing judicial scrutiny.
In this context, should Adhikari contest from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, it would represent a strategic maneuver by the BJP to hinder Mamata Banerjee's campaign efforts, restricting her mobility within the constituency and limiting her outreach across the state during the election period.
Point of View
Suvendu Adhikari's remarks signal a potentially pivotal moment in West Bengal's political arena. His strategic considerations may reflect broader party dynamics and could alter the campaign landscape, particularly impacting Mamata Banerjee's efforts.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suvendu Adhikari confirmed to run from two constituencies?
No, Suvendu Adhikari has not confirmed his candidacy for two constituencies; he mentioned it depends on the BJP's decision.
What are the constituencies Suvendu Adhikari might contest from?
Suvendu Adhikari is likely to contest from Nandigram and may also consider Bhabanipur if requested by party leadership.
What challenges could Mamata Banerjee face in Bhabanipur?
Mamata Banerjee may face challenges in Bhabanipur due to a significant number of voters being removed from the electoral list.
What is the political significance of Nandigram for Adhikari?
Nandigram is significant for Suvendu Adhikari, as he has previously won there and it remains his preferred constituency.
How might Adhikari's dual candidacy affect the election?
If Adhikari contests from both constituencies, it could strategically limit Mamata Banerjee's campaigning abilities, impacting her electoral outreach.
