BJP Leader Rakesh Singh Files Nomination Amid Vandalism Case Controversy
In a dramatic political development, BJP leader Rakesh Singh, who was arrested in connection with the Vidyasagar statue vandalism case, filed his nomination on Thursday for the Kolkata Port constituency. This occurred on the final day for submission of nominations, with Singh carrying a portrait of Vidyasagar during the process.
Criminal Background and Bail Status
The Bengal government had previously informed the Calcutta High Court that Singh is a history-sheeter with a substantial criminal record. According to official records, he faces 56 criminal cases, in all of which he has been granted bail. Singh was imprisoned for five-and-a-half months before being released on interim bail by the High Court on April 6, specifically to contest the Bengal assembly polls as a BJP candidate.
Singh's election affidavit, which is required by law to declare all pending criminal cases against a candidate, was notably unavailable on the Election Commission website until late Thursday night, raising questions about transparency in the electoral process.
Nomination Day Events and Political Statements
Rain played spoilsport on nomination day, forcing the cancellation of Singh's much-hyped procession that was to feature Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and actor-turned-BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. Adapting to the weather, Singh set off from his Watgunge residence around 11 am and offered puja nearby. He was flanked by family members, with his son and mother leading the way, followed by 12-15 supporters in three other cars.
Speaking to the media, Singh defended himself against the vandalism allegations. "The Mamata Banerjee government has falsely accused me of vandalising a bust of Vidyasagar. My mother did not raise me to be a hooligan. I have brought her with me today to send a message," said Singh, displaying the portrait above his head. He added, "I will campaign from Friday and will reach every corner to prove there is no 'mini Pakistan' here," before entering the nomination office, where his advocate arrived moments later.
Political Context and Opposition Criticism
On Wednesday, the BJP named Singh as its candidate for the Kolkata Port constituency, amid reports that he faces no fewer than 91 cases. Singh, who started his career as a union leader at the Kolkata zoo, claimed that several established politicians have even larger numbers of "politically motivated" cases against them, suggesting his legal troubles are part of a broader pattern.
Singh's arrest history includes being taken into custody in September 2025 at a private residence in Tangra after allegedly absconding for five days. He was granted bail with several conditions. Earlier, on August 29, 2025, a group of BJP supporters led by Singh attacked Bidhan Bhawan, defaced posters of Rahul Gandhi, and burnt tyres outside the office to protest against remarks allegedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh had live-streamed this incident. Additionally, he was arrested for involvement in a fracas over the occupation of a flat.
Kunal Ghosh, the Trinamool candidate from Beleghata and party spokesperson, criticized the BJP's decision. "BJP is as clueless about the Port constituency as Singh himself. He has so many FIRs against him. This is a dangerous trend. His name was only announced in the sixth round of the BJP list," Ghosh stated, highlighting concerns over candidate selection.
Broader Electoral Landscape in Bengal
This case sheds light on the broader electoral landscape in Bengal. According to an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report, out of 291 sitting MLAs analysed in the outgoing Bengal assembly, 136 (47%) declared criminal cases against themselves. Among these, eight MLAs declared cases related to murder under IPC Section 302, and 22 declared cases related to crimes against women. Notably, out of those 22 sitting MLAs, one has declared a case related to rape, indicating significant criminalization in politics.
The nomination of Rakesh Singh thus becomes a focal point in ongoing debates about law, order, and political accountability in West Bengal's electoral process.
