The BJP has kicked off its West Bengal election campaign with flair, unveiling a robust first list of 144 candidates on Monday. Packed with heavyweights, the slate has elicited heartfelt responses from nominees, all pledging unwavering dedication to topple the TMC stronghold.
Dilip Ghosh, ex-state BJP chief now contesting from Kharagpur, shared his elation: ‘Nomination by the party fills me with honor. As a grassroots worker, I honor this choice and stand committed to electoral triumph.’
Shikha Chatterjee, the sitting Dabgram Fulbari MLA, reaffirmed her loyalty. ‘Selected to work for the party, I’ll uphold discipline and press on with my duties,’ she assured, signaling continuity in her representation.
From Kumargram (ST), two-time nominee Manoj Kumar Oraon lavished praise on PM Modi and BJP cadres. ‘I’m grateful for their repeated faith in me,’ he noted, emphasizing the personal milestone.
Murshidabad’s Gauri Shankar, on his third ticket, called it an esteemed duty. ‘With prior experience from two contests, I’m geared to meet every expectation,’ he declared confidently.
Suri hopeful Jagannath Chatterjee boasted of his grassroots connect: ‘Folks in every alley recognize me by my bicycle. Their backing has made my outreach effective,’ he said, painting a picture of relatable campaigning.
Polling in Bengal is set for two phases—April 23 for 152 constituencies and April 29 for 142—with counting on May 4. As tensions rise, these candidate reactions signal BJP’s aggressive intent to expand its footprint in the eastern state.