The BJP has nominated Hasirani Rath, mother of slain aide Chandranath Rath, as its candidate for the Nandigram by‑poll following the death of the aide in May 2026. The by‑election is triggered after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vacated the seat after winning both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the 2026 Assembly polls.
- Hasirani Rath, mother of murdered aide Chandranath Rath, is BJP’s candidate for Nandigram.
- The by‑polls will be held on 10 Oct for Nandigram and 6 Oct for Rejinagar.
- Multiple parties have fielded candidates, making the contests highly competitive.
On 15 September 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party announced Hasirani Rath as its nominee for the Nandigram Assembly by‑election. Rath is the mother of former Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s personal aide, Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead on 6 May 2026 in Kolkata’s Madhyamgram.
Assassination and Legal Proceedings
Following the murder, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a charge sheet on 7 August against 12 accused in the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Barasat. The incident has intensified security concerns and raised questions about political violence in West Bengal.
Why the By‑Election Matters
The by‑poll was necessitated because Adhikari had relinquished the Nandigram seat after winning it, along with Bhabanipur, in the 2026 Assembly elections. The contest is a prestige battle for the BJP, especially for the Chief Minister who had represented Nandigram from 2021‑26 as Leader of the Opposition.
Candidates Across Seats
| Seat | BJP Candidate | Trinamool (Mamata Banerjee faction) Candidate | Trinamool (Ritabrata Banerjee faction) Candidate | CPI(M) Candidate | Congress Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandigram | Hasirani Rath | Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) | Mohammad Eteshamul Haque | Sayeed Asad Aliu | Milan Pradhan |
| Rejinagar | Sakharav Sarkar | Rabiul Alam Chowdhury | Safiuzzaman | Sayeed Asad Aliu | Mohd Abdullahil Kafi |
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the outcome of Nandigram and Rejinagar will shape the political landscape of West Bengal, especially if the Trinamool and Left Front alliance face a strong challenge from the BJP.
“Naming the mother of the slain aide signals both an emotional response and a tactical move,” says political analyst Dr. Sunil Sharma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the Nandigram by‑poll affect the broader state political dynamics?
- What is Hasirani Rath’s political background, and has she held any office before?
Editor’s Comment: This nomination is not merely a tribute; it’s a strategic move that could strengthen BJP’s foothold in Nandigram. The event reflects a blend of political depth and personal sacrifice in the electoral arena.
