Former BJP Leader from Nandigram Shifts to Trinamool, Set to Face Suvendu Adhikari in Assembly Elections

Key Takeaways

Pabitra Kar has left the BJP to join the Trinamool Congress .

He is expected to contest against Suvendu Adhikari in the Assembly elections.

This shift highlights ongoing political tensions in West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress welcomes Kar's decision, citing dissatisfaction with the BJP.

This political move may impact the electoral landscape significantly.

Kolkata, March 17 (NationPress) A prominent BJP figure from Suvendu Adhikari's Nandigram constituency has officially joined the Trinamool Congress as of Tuesday, with the event graced by the party's General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.

Sources within the party reveal that Pabitra Kar is preparing to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Nandigram on a Trinamool ticket, facing off against Adhikari.

In a post on X, the Trinamool Congress stated, "In the presence of our esteemed National General Secretary, Shri @abhishekaitc, Shri Pabitra Kar, former BJP leader from Boyal-I Gram Panchayat under Nandigram-II Block in Purba Medinipur, has joined the Trinamool Congress today."

The party expressed that Kar's dissatisfaction with the BJP's approach in West Bengal prompted his shift to the ruling party.

They added, "Discontent with the BJP’s anti-people policies, he has chosen to align with @MamataOfficial and actively contribute to the welfare of the populace under the guiding principles of Maa-Mati-Manush. We warmly welcome him and anticipate his committed service towards the people."

This transition comes just a day after the BJP declared that Adhikari would contest the Assembly elections not only from his own Nandigram constituency but also from Kolkata's Bhabanipur, which is currently represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

If Banerjee runs for Bhabanipur again, it will be the second instance where she faces Adhikari after their encounter in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.

In 2021, Adhikari secured his position as a legislator from Nandigram for the second consecutive term, defeating Banerjee.

Subsequently, Banerjee was elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election, securing her role as Chief Minister for a third consecutive term.

At this time, there has been no immediate response from the BJP regarding this development. It remains unclear if the party will take any measures against Kar for his defection to Trinamool ahead of the Assembly elections.

Point of View

Showcasing the ongoing rivalry and strategic alignments among key political players. As parties gear up for the Assembly elections, shifts like this could significantly influence voter sentiment and campaign strategies.

NationPress

10 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pabitra Kar leave the BJP?

Pabitra Kar expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP's policies in West Bengal, prompting his decision to join the Trinamool Congress.

What are the implications of Kar's shift?

Kar's move could intensify the competition in the upcoming Assembly elections, particularly against Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram.

Who is Suvendu Adhikari?

Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal and a prominent figure in the BJP.

What is the significance of the Nandigram constituency?

Nandigram is a key constituency in West Bengal, known for its political importance and previous electoral battles, particularly between Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee.

Will the BJP respond to Kar's defection?

As of now, there has been no official reaction from the BJP regarding Pabitra Kar's switch to the Trinamool Congress.