West Bengal bypolls: Nandigram and Rejinagar key candidates, past trends and more

The state of West Bengal will hold two bypolls on Saturday, 6 October, to fill vacancies in the Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies. The elections are a litmus test for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and will also see the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) challenging the Congress in Nandigram, while in Rejinagar the main contest will be between TMC and the Congress. The results will offer a glimpse of the electorate’s mood ahead of the general assembly elections and will also help gauge the momentum of the parties in the two major districts of the state.In Nandigram, the BJP is fielding the former MLA S..

Ranjit, who had lost to the Congress candidate in the 2019 assembly elections. The BJP’s strategy is to capitalise on the party’s growing presence in the district, where it has increased its vote share in the last three elections. The party’s campaign promises of infrastructure development, employment generation and a crackdown on corruption are aimed at attracting the middle and lower economic classes, who have traditionally voted for the Congress..

The BJP will have to overcome the legacy of the 2014 “Nandigram uprising” and convince voters that its governance model can deliver on its promises.The Congress, on the other hand, is putting forward Pradip Mukherjee, a veteran politician with deep roots in the area. Mukherjee’s campaign focuses on social welfare schemes, rural development and the legacy of the Congress’s historic role in the anti-CAA protests of 2019. He also aims to bring the support of the tribal communities that have long been a significant part of the electorate..

Mukherjee’s experience and his track record of constituency work will be a key differentiator for voters who are disillusioned with the current TMC government’s handling of local issues.Rejinagar, in the Bankura district, has a different political complexion. The TMC’s candidate is Shankar Roy, a former minister who has served the constituency for three terms. Roy is known for his strong grassroots organisation and for pushing development projects such as the expansion of the railway line, which is expected to boost trade and employment in the area..

He will be contesting the election on a platform that stresses the continuity of TMC’s welfare schemes and the party’s commitment to the local economy.The Congress is fielding Jaya Sengupta, a former civil servant who has been vocal about rural education and health. Her campaign emphasises the need for a balanced approach to development, one that keeps the rural populace at the centre of government planning. Sengupta also plans to leverage her experience in public administration to attract voters who are sceptical of the TMC’s governance.Historically, the bypolls in West Bengal have been unpredictable..

The last bypoll in Nandigram, held in 2022, was won by the BJP, which saw a significant surge in its vote share. In Rejinagar, the TMC managed to hold onto the seat, although the margin narrowed considerably. These trends indicate a shift in the political landscape, with the electorate increasingly looking for alternatives to the status quo.The bypolls will also serve as a barometer for the upcoming 2026 state elections..

The TMC has been working to consolidate its power base by strengthening its organisational structure and building alliances with smaller parties. However, the BJP’s rapid expansion in West Bengal and its ability to attract voters across social strata pose a challenge to TMC’s dominance. The Congress, meanwhile, is trying to regain relevance by focusing on grassroots mobilisation and by highlighting its track record on social welfare.Voter turnout will be a critical factor..

In the last general election, the turnout in these two constituencies was around 70%, and it is expected to be similar. A high turnout could benefit the TMC, given its large cadre network, while a lower turnout could favour the BJP and Congress, who have been successful in mobilising specific voter blocs. The parties have also been keen to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, with no incidents of violence or intimidation.In addition to the major parties, there are also smaller parties and independents who will contest the seats..

These candidates may act as spoilers, particularly in Nandigram, where the margin of victory in 2019 was narrow. The BJP’s strategy is to keep the opposition united and to reduce the chances of vote splitting. Similarly, the Congress is hoping that independent candidates will not siphon off its core support base.The elections are also a test of the BJP’s narrative on national security and economic development..

The party has repeatedly used the rhetoric of a “new India” in its campaigns, highlighting the need for a robust economy and strong governance. The Congress, on the other hand, is focusing on the “people’s democracy” narrative, arguing that a good government must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens, regardless of their background.The TMC’s performance will be closely watched as it continues to navigate a complex political environment. The party’s decision to field experienced candidates such as Shankar Roy in Rejinagar and a new face like S..

Ranjit in Nandigram reflects a dual strategy of continuity and renewal. The success of these candidates will indicate whether the TMC’s organisational strength is enough to withstand the growing influence of the BJP and the Congress in the state.On a broader level, the bypolls will influence the political calculus in the larger context of national politics. The BJP is keen to demonstrate that it can win in West Bengal, a state that has historically been a bastion of the TMC and the Left Front..

The Congress is hoping to use its grassroots presence to regain a foothold, while the TMC is determined to maintain its position as the dominant force.In the coming weeks, the parties will intensify their campaigns, with a focus on the key issues that resonate with local voters. The result of the elections will provide a snapshot of the electorate’s expectations and will likely influence the strategies of all parties as they prepare for the next stage of elections in the state..