Trinamool Congress candidate and West Bengal Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda on Saturday downplayed the challenge posed by the Bharatiya Janata Party while campaigning in the Binpur Assembly constituency of Jhargram.

Speaking during her campaign, Hansda said, "I do not consider the BJP as an opponent. A contest happens only when there is an equal force. Where the BJP has no presence, there is no fight. We are already in a strong position."

Her remarks come ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election in the Jangalmahal region, where tribal votes play a key role. BJP has fielded Pranat Tudu against her.

Campaign outreach and local issues

Hansda began her campaign by offering prayers at the Bhairav temple in Orgonda. She was accompanied by her mother, Chunibala Hansda, a former Jharkhand Party MLA, along with family members, party leaders, and supporters. Members of the local tribal community welcomed her with traditional dhamsa-madal music.

Also Read | Protests erupt within BJP in Champdani, banners against candidate Dilip Singh trigger clashes

During the visit, residents of Biridanga village raised concerns over drinking water shortages. Villagers said 30 to 40 families in the eastern part of the village lack a proper water supply and must walk nearly half a kilometre to reach a pump near the temple. They also complained that the existing pipeline supply is irregular and not suitable for consumption.

Hansda listened to residents' grievances and assured them the issue would be addressed.

Political contest in Jangalmahal

After the outreach, she visited the residence of tribal poet Sadhu Ramchand Murmu in Kamarandhi village and interacted with locals. She later held a meeting with party leaders in Shilda, attended by district and block-level Trinamool Congress functionaries.

Also Read | EC to publish first supplementary list on Monday; flags law and order concerns

Political observers believe the Binpur seat is likely to witness a tough contest between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Responding to Hansda's remarks, a BJP leader said, "The results will show who has real presence here. People want a change and are placing their trust in the BJP. In this election, they will vote for us."

Both parties are focusing on consolidating support in the tribal belt, making Binpur a key battleground in the upcoming polls.