Suvendu Adhikari Files Nomination from Nandigram with Dilip Ghosh by His Side
In a significant political move, Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari filed his nomination from Nandigram on Monday, with senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh standing firmly by his side. This event served as a powerful display of unity between the old guard and the new within the Bharatiya Janata Party as it strategically positions itself for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal.
First Day of Nomination Filing Sees High Activity Across Bengal
Across the state of West Bengal, a total of 79 nominations were submitted on Monday, marking the first day for filing poll papers. This flurry of activity underscores the intense political preparations underway as parties gear up for the electoral battle.
The rise of Suvendu Adhikari within the BJP ranks, particularly after his notable victory in Nandigram in 2021, has coincided with a shift in the political influence of Dilip Ghosh, the party's former state president. Ghosh, who was asked to vacate his Midnapore Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and contest from Burdwan-Durgapur—where he faced defeat—is now being directed to return to Kharagpur for the 2026 polls. This location holds historical significance for Ghosh, as he staged a major upset there in 2016 by defeating 10-time MLA Gyan Singh Sohanpal.
BJP Leadership Bridges Divide with "One Team Philosophy"
The Samik Bhattacharya-led Bengal BJP leadership has sent an unmistakable signal to bridge the old-and-new divide within the party. By having Ghosh stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Adhikari, the leadership aims to counter narratives of internal friction and project a united front. This visual display of collective strength follows explicit directions from party chief Nitin Nabin, who has urged the Bengal brass to embrace a "one team philosophy."
In line with this approach, a senior BJP leader emphasized that individual identities are secondary to the party's broader vision. It was revealed that party seniors in Delhi had earlier suggested that a member of a martyr's family should propose Adhikari's nomination, highlighting the strategic considerations at play.
Adhikari Confident of Victory and BJP's Commitment to Bengal
Speaking at the nomination event, Suvendu Adhikari expressed strong confidence in the BJP's prospects. "The demand for BJP among voters is far greater this time," Adhikari stated. He further added, "BJP remains committed to bringing a clean, corruption-free, development-oriented and ethical government in Bengal." Asserting his electoral ambitions, Adhikari declared that he intends to win from both Nandigram and Bhowanipore constituencies.
Sources indicate that Nitin Nabin has instructed Bengal BJP functionaries to project the party as a disciplined and viable alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress, reinforcing the message of unity and strength.
Nandigram Battle Intensifies with Key Defection
Unlike the 2021 elections, the Nandigram contest this time will feature a direct battle between Suvendu Adhikari and Pabitra Kar of the Trinamool Congress. Kar, a former BJP panchayat head, was once considered one of Adhikari's most trusted lieutenants in Nandigram. However, in a significant blow to the BJP's local organizational structure, Kar defected to the Trinamool Congress hours before his candidacy was finalized.
Adding to the fracture, Kar's wife, who was also a prominent functionary in the saffron party, joined the Trinamool Congress as well. This dual defection signals a notable crack in the BJP's grassroots network in the region, potentially impacting the party's electoral strategies.
The nomination filing event, with its emphasis on unity and collective strength, sets the stage for a highly competitive and closely watched electoral contest in West Bengal as the BJP seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
