Will BJP Finalize Its Sole Candidate for RS Nomination from Bengal in Early March?
Synopsis
As the BJP gears up to finalize its candidate for the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal, all eyes are on potential nominees like Mithun Chakraborty and Locket Chatterjee. With the Trinamool Congress likely to dominate four out of five seats, the implications are significant for political dynamics in the state.
Key Takeaways
BJP to finalize its candidate for Rajya Sabha by early March.
Five seats from West Bengal are up for grabs.
Trinamool Congress likely to secure four seats.
Names discussed include Mithun Chakraborty , Locket Chatterjee , and Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri .
Current members whose terms end in April include Subrata Bakshi , Ritabrata Banerjee , and Saket Gokhale .
Kolkata, Feb 10 (NationPress) The BJP may finalize its sole candidate for the Rajya Sabha nomination from West Bengal by the initial week of March.
By the end of April this year, five seats in the Upper House of Parliament from West Bengal will become vacant.
According to the current strength dynamics in the West Bengal Assembly, the Trinamool Congress is set to easily secure four out of these five vacant seats, while the BJP aims to elect its single candidate.
So far, sources within the BJP in West Bengal have indicated that three names are under consideration for this nomination. The first is the megastar Mithun Chakraborty, followed by the former party Lok Sabha member and actress-turned-politician, Locket Chatterjee.
Additionally, there is limited discussion around the current BJP legislator from Balurghat Assembly constituency in South Dinajpur district, and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Union government, Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri, according to insiders from the BJP state committee.
Chakraborty previously served as a Rajya Sabha member from the Trinamool Congress. However, he resigned prior to completing his term after several Trinamool Congress leaders were implicated in various chit fund scams in West Bengal, including those associated with the Saradha Group and Rose Valley Group.
Chatterjee was elected as a BJP member of Lok Sabha from the Hooghly constituency during the 2019 elections but lost her seat in 2024 to Trinamool Congress candidate and actress-turned-politician Rachna Banerjee.
Meanwhile, Lahiri ventured into the political arena before the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and won his seat from Balurghat.
The three current Trinamool Congress members of the Rajya Sabha whose terms are ending in April include Subrata Bakshi, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Saket Gokhale. Additionally, the former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, Mausam Benazir Noor, has resigned and joined the Congress, leaving that seat vacant.
Also, the term of CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya is concluding this April. Given that the CPI(M) currently lacks representation in the West Bengal Assembly, the BJP should have no trouble electing its candidate from that seat.
Point of View
The BJP's nomination strategy is a pivotal element in the evolving political landscape of West Bengal. As the Trinamool Congress solidifies its hold on the assembly, the BJP's choice will not only impact its representation in the Rajya Sabha but also influence its broader electoral strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the potential candidates for the BJP's Rajya Sabha nomination?
The potential candidates include Mithun Chakraborty , Locket Chatterjee , and Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri .
Why did Mithun Chakraborty resign from the Rajya Sabha previously?
Chakraborty resigned due to the involvement of several Trinamool Congress leaders in chit fund scams in West Bengal .
What is the current political situation regarding the Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal?
Out of five seats, the Trinamool Congress is likely to secure four, leaving the BJP to elect its lone candidate.
What impact does this nomination have on the state politics?
The nomination could significantly shape the BJP's political strategy and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to future elections.
When will the BJP finalize its candidate?
The BJP is expected to finalize its candidate by the first week of March.
