In a bold gambit ahead of the 2026 West Bengal elections, the BJP dropped its maiden list of 144 candidates on Monday, spotlighting Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari with nominations from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram. This dual deployment revives memories of his dramatic 2021 upset against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram.
The comprehensive roster highlights BJP’s deep bench across the state. Fashion designer-turned-politician Agnimitra Paul headlines Asansol South. North Bengal sees robust representation with Sukumar Roy in Cooch Behar North (SC), Savitri Barman in Sitalkuchi (SC), Ajay Roy in Dinhata, Malati Rava Roy in Tufanganj, Manoj Kumar Oraon in Kumargram (ST), Bishal Lama in Kalchini (ST), and Anandamay Barman in Matigara-Naxalbari (SC).
Siliguri gets Dr. Shankar Ghosh, while Phansidewa (ST), Golpokhar, and Chakulia field Durga Murmu, Sarjit Biswas, and Manoj Jain respectively. These picks blend local influencers with party loyalists, aiming to consolidate BJP’s gains from 2021.
The decisions stem from a pivotal Central Election Committee meeting on March 12 under JP Nadda’s successor Nitin Nabin’s leadership. Top brass like PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah were present, approving names to fortify BJP’s electoral machinery.
With voting in two phases—152 seats on April 23 and 142 on April 29, results on May 4—BJP’s proactive strategy could reshape Bengal’s power dynamics. Adhikari’s dual role amplifies the stakes, potentially drawing massive voter turnout and setting the tone for a fiercely contested battle.