Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has directed sharp criticism at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her decision not to contest from the Nandigram Assembly constituency, a seat she lost to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in the 2021 elections.

During a recent address, Majumdar suggested that Banerjee “lacked the courage” to return to Nandigram, further asserting that her defeat in the upcoming election from Bhabanipur will signal the “end of her political journey.”

He stated, “Mamata Banerjee lost in Nandigram last time, so she lacked the courage to contest from there this time. She will lose in both places. The public is going to completely wipe out her party this time.”

Political Landscape in Nandigram and Bhabanipur

In the 2021 Assembly elections, Banerjee was defeated by Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram but later secured victory in the Bhabanipur by-election against Priyanka Tibrewal. This electoral cycle will see a continuation of the rivalry, with Adhikari set to contest in Nandigram while Banerjee defends her seat in Bhabanipur. The stakes are high as both leaders aim to solidify their political standings. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya expressed confidence in Adhikari’s prospects, questioning Banerjee’s absence from Nandigram this time. He predicted a victory margin of 25,000 votes for Adhikari in Bhabanipur.

Election Schedule and Candidate Announcements

The West Bengal Assembly elections will unfold in two phases, with polling slated for April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes from both phases is set for May 4, while the election process is expected to conclude by May 6. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has introduced a list of candidates, including Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya contesting from Dum Dum Uttar, Madan Mitra from Kamarhati, and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim from the Kolkata Port seat. Kunal Ghosh will represent the party from Beleghata, while Shashi Panja will contest from Shyampukur.

Candidate Changes and Alliances

Notably, former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was not allocated a ticket for the Behala Paschim seat, with Ratna Chatterjee stepping in as the candidate. In a move to strengthen alliances, Mamata Banerjee confirmed that the TMC is offering three seats to its partner party, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), amidst the release of a comprehensive candidate list featuring 291 names. Meanwhile, the BJP unveiled its initial roster of 144 candidates for the elections. Notable names include BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, who will contest from Asansol Dakshin; actor-turned-politician Rudranil Ghosh from Shibpur; and BJP MLA Bankim Chandra Ghosh, who will run from Chakdaha.

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