BJP Announces Third Candidate List for Bengal Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its third list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, naming 19 nominees for different constituencies across the state. The announcement is part of the party’s ongoing strategy to finalise candidates ahead of the high-stakes polls in the eastern state.
West Bengal will elect representatives to its 294-member legislative assembly, with voting scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while the results are expected to be declared on May 4.
RG Kar Victim’s Mother to Contest from Panihati
One of the most notable names in the newly released list is the mother of the victim in the 2024 RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. She has been fielded as the BJP candidate from the Panihati constituency in North 24 Parganas district.
Her daughter, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was brutally assaulted and killed inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in 2024, an incident that triggered nationwide outrage and protests demanding justice.
The bereaved mother has previously stated that entering politics would help her continue the fight for justice and raise concerns about women’s safety in the state.
Political Significance of the Decision
The BJP’s decision to field the victim’s mother has drawn significant political attention. Analysts believe the move reflects the party’s attempt to highlight issues related to law and order and women’s safety in West Bengal.
The tragic case had earlier sparked widespread protests across the state and became a major political issue, with opposition parties criticising the government over the handling of the incident.
Election Battle Intensifies in West Bengal
The West Bengal Assembly elections are expected to witness intense competition between the BJP and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Political parties have been releasing candidate lists and preparing campaign strategies as the election dates approach. The BJP had earlier released two lists naming several candidates across constituencies in an effort to strengthen its presence in the state.
With the latest announcement, the party has moved closer to finalising its full slate of candidates for the upcoming polls.
