In a high-stakes political move, the BJP has nominated Hasirani Rath, the mother of slain Suvendu Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath, for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll.

  • Hasirani Rath, mother of murdered aide Chandranath Rath, is BJP's Nandigram candidate.
  • Chandranath Rath was shot dead in May; the CBI is investigating the murder.
  • Bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar are scheduled for October 6.
  • The contest in Nandigram features TMC's Sanchita Pradhan Dey and Congress's Milan Pradhan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a significant political announcement on Tuesday, fielding Hasirani Rath as its candidate for the upcoming Nandigram Assembly bypoll. In a move laden with emotional and political weight, the party has chosen the mother of Chandranath Rath—a close aide to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari who was brutally murdered in May.

The murder of Chandranath Rath occurred on May 6 in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas, just two days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared. The gravity of the crime led to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) taking over the probe. By nominating his mother, the BJP appears to be centering its campaign around the themes of justice and the perceived failure of the current administration to ensure safety.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this candidacy is a calculated attempt to consolidate the anti-incumbency vote by tapping into the collective grief and outrage surrounding the murder. The Nandigram seat is particularly symbolic, as it was vacated by Suvendu Adhikari himself, making this bypoll a direct test of his political influence and the BJP's strength in his stronghold.

The decision to field a victim's family member transforms a standard electoral contest into a referendum on law and order in West Bengal.

Prior to her official nomination, Hasirani Rath visited the Siddheshwar Shiva Temple and Janakinath Temple in Reyapara to seek divine blessings. Speaking to reporters, she expressed her readiness to serve, stating, "I have received the message from the Chief Minister. I hope to get the cooperation of our party organisation. I will work for Nandigram’s welfare."

The election schedule is now set: voting for both the Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies will take place on October 6, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 9. In Rejinagar, the BJP has named former Murshidabad president Shakharav Sarkar as its candidate.

The political landscape in Nandigram is becoming increasingly crowded. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fielded Sanchita Pradhan Dey, while the Congress has nominated Milan Pradhan. Additionally, the CPI has put forward Shantigopal Giri, and a rival Trinamool faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has named Mohammad Ehetash Mul Haque.

Did You Know?: Nandigram has historically been a flashpoint for intense political mobilization in West Bengal, playing a pivotal role in the state's shifting political tides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When will the Nandigram bypoll results be announced?
Answer: The voting will take place on October 6, and the results are expected to be declared on October 9.

Question 2: Who is investigating the murder of Chandranath Rath?
Answer: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently handling the investigation into the murder.