In West Bengal's Tufanganj constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Malati Rava Roy emerged victorious over Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Shib Sankar Paul by a margin of 26,457 votes. Roy secured 1,22,525 votes, while Paul received 96,068 votes. The constituency, located in the Cooch Behar district, is a general (unreserved) seat.
Constituency Profile and Key Candidates
Tufanganj encompasses both semi-urban and rural areas, where agriculture, small businesses, and local trade form the economic backbone. Key issues for voters include development, employment, and rural infrastructure. Agricultural concerns are paramount, with farmers highlighting challenges related to irrigation, crop prices, and flood protection. Additionally, demands for better roads, drainage systems, and reliable electricity feature prominently in voter discussions.
In the 2026 elections, the main candidates were Shib Sankar Paul of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Malati Rava Roy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Debendra Nath Barma of the Indian National Congress.
Historical Context and Previous Results
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Malati Rava Roy won the Tufanganj seat for the BJP with a decisive margin of 59,060 votes over the TMC. That victory reflected strong voter support for the BJP in the constituency and was part of the party's broader gains across several north Bengal seats in 2021.
Election Details
The constituency went to the polls on April 23, as part of Phase 1 of the elections. Cooch Behar district recorded a voter turnout of 96.2%, the highest among all districts in that phase. The high turnout underscored the keen interest of voters in the electoral process.
This win for the BJP reinforces its presence in the region, while the TMC faces a setback despite its stronghold in other parts of the state. The victory margin indicates continued support for the BJP's agenda in Tufanganj.
