The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday evening released its third list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Election, announcing 19 more names and bringing its total declared candidates to 275.
Among the candidate list is the mother of the rape and murder victim in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case, who has been fielded from the Panihati constituency in North 24 Parganas. Her candidature puts an end to days of speculation following her recent entry into politics along with her husband.
The victim’s mother had earlier expressed her willingness to contest elections and formally joined the BJP. Confirming the development, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had announced the couple’s induction into the party.
Speaking to the media, she said her decision to enter politics was driven by the need to ensure workplace safety for women and to fight corruption. She also alleged delays in the investigation into her daughter’s case, raising concerns about the role of investigative authorities.
She further chose to publicly reveal her identity, noting that while media had earlier withheld it in line with Supreme Court guidelines, families are permitted to disclose identities voluntarily.
The list also includes former NSG commando Dipanjan Chakraborty, who has been nominated from Uttarpara in Hooghly shortly after joining the party.
Among the two women candidates in the list is Madhumita Ghosh, who will contest from Haripal in Hooghly. Veteran BJP leader Subir Nag has been fielded from the Chinsurah constituency.
In a notable change, the BJP has replaced its candidate for the English Bazar seat in Malda. While Srirupa Mitra Chaudhury had won the seat in 2021, the party has now nominated Amlan Bhaduri.
The BJP had earlier released its first and second lists shortly after the election schedule was announced by the Election Commission of India on March 15. The first list included 144 candidates, while the second featured 111 candidates along with one BJP-backed nominee.
With 275 candidates in the House of 294 legislators now declared across three lists, the party has 19 seats left to announce. Several key constituencies are still pending, and the final list is expected soon.
The inclusion of the RG Kar victim’s mother is being seen as a politically significant move, highlighting issues of women’s safety and justice in the run-up to the elections.
As parties continue to finalise their candidates, the political contest in West Bengal is entering a decisive phase, with narratives around governance, law and order, and public trust taking centre stage.
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