BJP Names Hasirani Rath for Nandigram Byelection

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the upcoming Nandigram Assembly byelection. Hasirani Rath is the mother of Chandranath Rath, a former aide of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who was killed on May 6, 2026.

The Chief Minister accompanied Hasirani Rath to the SDO's office for the submission of her nomination papers. Addressing the gathering, Adhikari expressed confidence in winning back Nandigram with a bigger margin.

Adhikari also spoke about the killing of Chandranath Rath, stating that those involved in the crime have been arrested and the CBI is investigating the matter. He alleged that the 'Bhaipo gang' had used more than Rs. 2 crores to kill Chandranath.

Hasirani Rath expressed gratitude towards the BJP and vowed to win the Nandigram constituency. She mentioned that Suvendu Adhikari had defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the past and was confident that the seat would remain with the BJP.

The Nandigram byelection is scheduled to take place on October 6. The constituency has been a significant battleground for the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the past.

According to sources, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had talks with Congress leaders over the Nandigram constituency, but the Congress party rejected her request to leave the seat for them.

The BJP's decision to field Hasirani Rath, the mother of a slain party worker, is seen as a strategic move to garner sympathy votes and maintain its hold on the Nandigram constituency.

The Nandigram byelection is expected to be a closely contested battle between the BJP and the TMC. The outcome of the election will be crucial in determining the political landscape of West Bengal.

The byelection is also being seen as a test of the minority community's support for the state government. Adhikari has appealed to the community to vote for the BJP, stating that it will be decided on October 6 whether they are with the state government or not.

The election campaign is expected to heat up in the coming days, with both parties engaging in intense campaigning to win over the voters.

In the end, the outcome of the Nandigram byelection will have significant implications for the political future of West Bengal and the BJP's hold on the state.