​West Bengal polls 2026: BJP heavyweights line up to take on Mamata​

Suvendhu Adhikari is in the electoral battle with Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur in hopes of dethroning the three consecutive TMC runs. He will also be facing his ex-mentee, now a TMC candidate, Pabitra Kar, in Nandigram.

Former union minister of state for home affairs, Nisith Pramanik, is set to face TMC's Sabal Barman for the seat in the Mathabhanga constituency. Since his nomination, Pramanik has been actively campaigning in Mathabhanga, attending rallies and organisational meetings in areas like Premerdanga, making it a closely watched contest.

Dilip Ghosh, a former BJP state president, is returning to compete for the Kharagpur Sadar seat he first won in 2016. Campaigning against TMC's Pradip Sarkar, his motorcycle rallies and visits to local religious institutions are gaining attention around the area.

Arjun Singh is contesting from Noapara, facing Trinankur Bhattacharya of TMC and Gargi Chatterjee of CPI(M) in a triangular contest. A former Barrackpore MP and four-time Bhatpara MLA, he switched between TMC and BJP before returning to BJP in 2024.

The sitting MLA of Asansol Dakshin, Agnimitra Paul is facing Tapas Banerjee of TMC. She is a prominent woman leader within the state BJP and is seeking re-election, making it a closely watched contest. (Image credit: BCCL)

Swapan Dasgupta is contesting from Rashbehari, describing it as a “homecoming” given his family’s long roots in the area, and is pitching a “sober, responsible and honest” political alternative. A former journalist and Rajya Sabha nominee, he faces Debasish Kumar of TMC in a closely watched urban contest. (Image credit: PTI)

Roopa Ganguly is contesting from Sonarpur Dakshin in a high-profile “star power” contest against Lovely Maitra of TMC. Known for her iconic role as Draupadi in Mahabharat and a former Rajya Sabha nominee, she is campaigning on women’s safety and peaceful polling, making it a closely watched battle. (Image credit: BCCL)

Ratna Debnath, whose daughter was the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, has entered politics in a significant move, turning personal tragedy into a public fight for justice. She is contesting from Panihati against Tirthankar Ghosh of TMC, making it a closely watched and emotionally charged contest. (Image credit: ANI)

Sajal Ghosh is contesting from Baranagar against incumbent MLA Sayantika Banerjee of TMC in a rematch after losing the 2024 bypoll. A Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor known for his fiery style, he is campaigning on local infrastructure issues. (Image credit: X)