BJP fields slain aide's mother as Nandigram byelection candidate

The BJP has announced its candidacy for the Nandigram byelection with a symbolic choice, naming the mother of Chandranath Rath, a party worker whose death has remained a significant issue in West Bengal politics. The nomination comes as the party seeks to strengthen its position in the East Midnapore constituency, a key battleground in the state's electoral landscape.

Nandigram has been thrust into the byelection cycle after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who represents the seat, chose to relinquish it following his dual victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur during that electoral round, prompting him to retain the latter and vacate Nandigram in accordance with constitutional provisions that bar lawmakers from holding multiple assembly seats simultaneously.

Adhikari, a prominent BJP figure and former Trinamool Congress leader, has been central to the party's efforts to consolidate its position in West Bengal since his defection. His decision to retain Bhabanipur, a more urban and demographically significant constituency, underscores the BJP's strategic priorities in state politics.

The candidacy of Rath's mother is expected to resonate with the party's base and carry emotional weight in the constituency. Rath's death had generated considerable controversy and became a rallying point for BJP activists in the region. The party's choice reflects an attempt to connect with sentiments on the ground while fielding a candidate in a byelection that could test its organizational strength in a traditionally competitive region.