The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, naming nominees for 144 out of 294 constituencies across the state. The list was released as parties step up preparations for the polls.
Several senior leaders and familiar faces have been fielded in key constituencies. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has been nominated from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, two politically significant seats. The party has also fielded former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh from Kharagpur Sadar, while Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh will contest again from Siliguri.
Among other prominent candidates, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul has been nominated from Asansol Dakshin, and Santu Pan will contest from Tarakeshwar.
Key nominations across major constituencies
After being named the candidate from Tarakeshwar in Hooghly, BJP leader Santu Pan told News Ei Samay, "Tarakeshwar is the holy land of Mahadev. We have seen that the Kashi Vishwanath corridor was constructed in Varanasi, but no such measure was taken for Baba Taraknath's Dham in Tarakeshwar".
"There are no major hospitals, the roads are not in good condition, and the drainage system is damaged. I have come to work for the people, and change these things," he added.
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The party has also announced candidates for several politically important seats across districts. In Kolkata and adjoining areas, Sajal Ghosh has been fielded from Baranagar, Rudranil Ghosh from Shibpur, and Swapan Dasgupta from Rashbehari.
In North Bengal, Sukumar Roy will contest from Coochbehar Uttar, Bishal Lama from Kalchini, and Malati Rava Roy from Tufanganj.
In South Bengal, the party has named former cricketer Ashok Dinda from Moyna again, while Dipak Kumar Halder will contest from Diamond Harbour. In Naihati, the BJP has fielded Sumitro Chatterjee.
Candidates named for districts across the state
On the factors influencing the choice of candidates, BJP leader Dipanjan Chakraborty told News Ei Samay, "It is a natural process. Within 24 hours of the announcement of elections, the BJP has been able to release its first list of candidates. This decision is strategic as it will create pressure on TMC."
"The Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, will be contesting from both Nandigram and Bhawanipore - Mamata Banerjee's home turf. This will add to the immense pressure that the TMC is already facing due to anti-incumbency," Chakraborty added.
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The list includes nominees from constituencies spread across North Bengal, South Bengal, and several tribal and reserved seats. Among them are Pranat Tudu from Binpur (ST), Joyel Murmu from Habibpur (ST), Durga Murmu from Phansidewa (ST), and Budhrai Tudu from Tapan (ST).
Other candidates include Ajay Roy from Dinhata, Rajesh Mahto from Gopiballavpur, Tapan Maity from Patashpur, Subrata Maity from Panskura Purba, and Biman Mahto from Salboni.
