The counting of votes for the Kurseong Assembly constituency in West Bengal's 2026 election is currently underway. Seven candidates are vying for this General seat, with the primary contenders being Amar Lama of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), Sonam Lama of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Saroj Kumar Khatri of the Indian National Congress (INC). Other candidates include Uttam Brahman of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as well as independents Bandana Rai, Mohan Sharma, and Sumendra Tamang.
Key Candidates and Background
In the 2021 Assembly election, Bishnu Prasad Sharma (also known as B.P. Bajgain) of the BJP emerged victorious from this constituency. This year, the BJP has fielded Sonam Lama, while the BGPM, a regional party with significant influence in the Darjeeling hills, has nominated Amar Lama. The Congress has put forward Saroj Kumar Khatri, and the CPI(M) has chosen Uttam Brahman. The remaining three candidates are contesting as independents.
Counting Process and Trends
The counting of votes began at designated centers across the constituency early this morning. As rounds progress, initial trends are expected to indicate which way the electorate has leaned. The final result will reflect the candidate who secures the highest number of valid votes. Observers and party workers are closely monitoring the round-by-round updates, which will gradually reveal the verdict.
Kurseong is one of 294 Assembly segments in West Bengal. The outcome here will contribute to the overall tally of seats for each party in the state legislature. The Election Commission of India has made arrangements for a smooth counting process, with strict adherence to guidelines.
Voter Turnout and Significance
The Kurseong constituency, located in the Darjeeling district, has historically seen a multi-cornered contest. Issues such as regional development, Gorkha identity, and local governance have featured prominently in campaigning. The voter turnout in the 2026 election was reported to be substantial, reflecting keen public interest.
As the day progresses, the live blog will be updated with the latest round-wise figures. The final declaration of results will confirm whether the BJP retains the seat or if the BGPM or Congress manages to wrest it away. Data for this coverage is sourced from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and MyNeta, based on election affidavits in the public domain of the Election Commission of India.
Disclaimer
This live blog is AI-assisted using data from Pvalue. The information provided is for informational purposes only.
