Bengal polls: BJP names 144 candidates, fields Suvendu Adhikari from Mamata's Bhabanipur

The party’s announcement includes several prominent leaders and signals a direct political battle in key constituencies across the state. 

Among the most notable decisions is the nomination of senior BJP leader and Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari from the Bhabanipur seat in Kolkata, currently represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Suvendu Adhikari to contest from two seats

Suvendu Adhikari has been fielded from Bhabanipur, a constituency that gained national attention in the 2021 by-election when Mamata Banerjee secured victory there to continue as the chief minister.

Adhikari is also set to contest from Nandigram, the constituency where he defeated Banerjee in the 2021 Assembly elections in a closely watched contest. 

By nominating him from Bhabanipur as well, the BJP has intensified the political stakes ahead of the upcoming polls.

The move indicates the party’s strategy to challenge the Trinamool Congress leadership directly in one of its most prominent strongholds.

Key leaders feature in BJP’s first list

The BJP’s first list includes several senior figures and prominent leaders across multiple districts.

Former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh will contest from Kharagpur Sadar in Paschim Medinipur district. 

Biman Mahto has been nominated from Salboni, which is also in the same district.

Former Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta has been named the party’s candidate from the Rashbehari constituency in south Kolkata.

In Purba Medinipur district, Sumita Sinha will contest from Kanthi Uttar, while Biman Ghosh has been fielded from Pursurah in Hooghly district. Madhavi Mahalder has been nominated from Kultali in South 24 Parganas.

The party has also announced Anima Datta as its candidate from Palashipara in Nadia district and Lakshmikant Sahu from Jhargram.

The selection of candidates across diverse constituencies indicates the BJP’s attempt to strengthen its organisational presence and expand its electoral base across the state.

Election schedule announced

The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly in two phases.

Voting will take place on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. 

The results will determine the political direction of one of India’s most politically significant states.

The elections will also be held alongside assembly polls in several other states and Union territories.

The upcoming election follows the 2021 Assembly polls in which Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress secured a decisive victory.

The party won 215 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats.