The BJP has announced its candidates for the by-elections in two high-profile Assembly constituencies, ending weeks of speculation and delivering a major surprise.
Following candidate announcements by the Congress, the CPM and various factions of the Trinamool Congress, the BJP on Tuesday revealed its nominees for the Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections.
Earlier reporting noted: The BJP on Tuesday named Hasirani Rath, the mother of former aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who died in May, as its candidate for Nandigrambypoll. Earlier reporting noted: The BJP on Tuesday named Hasirani Rath, the mother of former aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who died in May, as its candidate for Nandigram bypoll, and fielded the party’s former Murshidabad district president Sakharav Sarkar from Rejinagar assembly seat. Earlier reporting noted: Hasirani Rath’s candidature had been the subject of speculation in Nandigram, and she appeared to confirm it earlier on Tuesday by offering prayers at the Siddheshwar Shiv Temple and Jankinath Temple there before the BJP formally announced her name.
Chandranath Rath, a native of Chandipur, had served as a personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari. He was murdered after the change of government in the state. By nominating her, the BJP has sought to bring a grassroots political figure to the forefront. The move is consistent with the party’s recent approach to candidate selection in West Bengal. Since my elder son, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is my guardian, I will accept any responsibility given by him.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP fielded Ratna Debnath, the mother of an RG Kar medic, from the Panihati seat.
Reacting to her candidature, Hasirani Rath said, “Our BJP party is an organised party.
