The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll, a move that comes after her son, Chandranath Rath, a former aide to Suvendu Adhikari, was tragically killed in May. The BJP’s announcement was made on Tuesday, and it aims to leverage the emotional narrative surrounding the candidacy to boost its campaign. Along with Rath, the party has also chosen Sakharav Sarkar as its nominee for the Rejinagar Assembly seat, reflecting a strategic approach in the lead-up to the elections.

Hasirani Rath, who has been actively involved in local politics since 1998, expressed her gratitude to the party and underlined her confidence in securing victory. She has set a target of winning the Nandigram seat by a significant margin of 1.1 lakh votes, citing that the party leadership and local organisation have consistently supported her. Rath suggested that the support she has received would bolster her campaign, leading to what she believes will be a successful electoral outcome.

In the past, Nandigram has seen notable electoral performances from the BJP. During the previous state elections, Suvendu Adhikari notably defeated the former Chief Minister by a narrow margin of 1,956 votes. In the 2026 elections, Adhikari won Nandigram by a margin of approximately 10,000 votes. Rath claimed that if he had focused solely on this seat rather than contesting from two locations, his margin of victory could have been even larger.

Investigation into Chandranath Rath’s Death

The investigation into the tragic death of Chandranath Rath remains ongoing, fuelling both speculation and concern. Chandranath was shot while travelling in Madhyamgram on May 6, and he was pronounced dead after being admitted to a hospital. Reports indicate that assailants on motorcycles opened fire on the vehicle he was in. Initially, the state police and a Special Investigation Team handled the case before it was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Hasirani Rath stated that her family has “complete confidence” in the Chief Minister and the investigative process, showing a willingness to trust the authorities assigned to the case. The difficulties surrounding her son’s murder not only amplify the emotional charge of her candidacy but also speak to the social and political fabric of Nandigram.

Rath publicly affirmed her determination to fulfil any responsibilities bestowed upon her by the BJP, framing her candidacy as a commitment to both her family and the party. She highlighted the importance of political engagement in her life and her aspirations to make a difference within the community she aims to represent.

Polling Dates and Political Dynamics

The Nandigram bypoll is set for October 6, 2026, necessitated by Adhikari’s decision to retain and vacate the Bhabanipur seat he previously won. The deadline for candidate nominations is September 16, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 9. The electoral landscape appears competitive, with multiple parties contesting, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has announced its own candidates.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the TMC has selected Sanchita Pradhan Dey for the Nandigram seat, while a rival TMC faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has fielded Mohammad Eteshamul Haque. The TMC’s strategies in Nandigram reflect a strong desire to retain control over the constituency, creating a multi-sided contest that will be closely observed by political analysts and party supporters alike.

Hasirani Rath’s nomination serves to intertwine personal narratives with broader electoral strategies, indicative of the BJP’s aims to resonate with voters emotionally while addressing the immediate political climate in Nandigram.

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