In West Bengal's Chakulia constituency, the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate Manoj Jain lost by a margin of 28,011 votes. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Minhajul Arfin Azad emerged victorious, securing 90,277 votes. Chakulia is a general (unreserved) constituency located in the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal.
2026 Election Results
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections saw a three-way contest in Chakulia. The candidates included Minhajul Arfin Azad of the TMC, Manoj Jain of the BJP, and Ali Imran Ramz (Victor) of the Congress. The TMC's victory margin was substantial, reflecting a shift in voter preference compared to previous elections.
Previous Election Performance
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Chakulia seat was won by Usman Ghani of the TMC. He defeated his nearest rival from the BJP by a margin of approximately 7,000 votes. That election highlighted a competitive political environment, with voter support fairly divided between the two leading parties. The 2026 results indicate a significant increase in the TMC's dominance in this constituency.
Constituency Profile
Chakulia is predominantly rural, with paddy cultivation, jute farming, small businesses, and daily wage labour dominating the livelihoods of its residents. The town of Chakulia serves as a local commercial hub for surrounding villages. Key issues in the constituency revolve around rural development, agriculture, and infrastructure. Farmers frequently raise concerns regarding irrigation, crop pricing, and flood management. Residents also emphasise the need for better road connectivity, reliable electricity, and access to clean drinking water.
Voter Turnout
The constituency went to polls on April 23, as part of Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Uttar Dinajpur district recorded a high voter turnout of 94.16%, indicating strong voter engagement.
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