West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The 24 hours of the Election Commission declaring the schedule for West Bengal Assembly elections the Bharatiya Janata Party released its partial candidate list for the first phase of polling The list features candidates for 144 constituencies with prominent leaders positioned strategically to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress Opposition leader Shuvendu Adhikari will contest from both Nandigram and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur constituency Veteran BJP leader Dilip Ghosh returns to his old seat in Kharagpur Sadar Several other key candidates include Agnimitra Paul from Asansol South Shankar Ghosh from Siliguri Rudranil Ghosh from Shibpur and Sajal Ghosh from Baranagar

Most candidates in North Bengal remain unchanged as BJP relies on experienced leaders to maintain strength in the region The party’s strategy focuses on balancing recognition with strong local presence to maximize electoral advantage Ahead of the polls BJP leadership emphasized forming the government in West Bengal with Delhi leaders actively campaigning to motivate workers At a mega rally at Brigade Parade Ground Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence saying the winds of change have begun to blow in Bengal asserting that the Trinamool Congress government will be replaced by a BJP government

The announcement highlights Shuvendu Adhikari’s dual-seat contest and Dilip Ghosh’s reinstatement in Kharagpur Sadar after previous electoral adjustments had placed him in a different constituency This move addresses internal concerns and reinforces BJP’s electoral strategy Notably Arjun Singh and Hiran Chattopadhyay are absent from the first phase list

The partial candidate list reflects BJP’s intent to leverage experienced leaders and strongholds to gain momentum and challenge TMC incumbency while ensuring high-profile contests in politically significant constituencies The focus remains on strategic positioning to maximize chances in the 26th West Bengal Assembly elections.