Kolkata: BJP has declared its candidate for the by-election to be held on Nandigram assembly seat of West Bengal. The party has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of late Chandranath Rath. Chandranath Rath was said to be close to Suvendu Adhikari and his former personal assistant (PA).
Political experience of Hasirani Rath
Hasirani Rath is active in local politics. She has won elections five times as a Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti member. BJP hopes that his hold in the area will be beneficial for the party. She will file her nomination in the presence of Suvendu Adhikari.
BJP names Sakharav Sarkar and Hasirani Rath as its candidates for Rejinagar and Nandigram by-elections in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/uNRMS4jJkz
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2026
Family in headlines after son's murder
Chandranath Rath was shot dead at around 10:30 pm on 6 May 2026. It was told that he was returning to his home in Madhyamgram. Meanwhile, a car with fake number plate blocked the path of his SUV and assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on him. He was declared dead on reaching the hospital.
This murder took place some time after the results of the West Bengal Assembly elections. BJP had called it a targeted killing carried out as part of political revenge. The investigation of the case was handed over to CBI. The investigation revealed the role of some local people along with the alleged shooters, who were accused of providing help and support for the attack.
High-voltage encounter in Nandigram
Nandigram is considered the political stronghold of Suvendu Adhikari. Due to the seat becoming vacant after assuming the post of Chief Minister, by-election will be held here on 6 October 2026. TMC has made Sanchita Pradhan Dey, a teacher who lost her job, a candidate. The Left Front has given ticket to Shantigopal Giri, while the Ritavrat-backed front has fielded Mohammad Ehteshamul Haq.
By giving ticket to Hasirani Rath, BJP has tried to link emotional issues with organizational strength as well as election strategy. The contest in Nandigram is expected to be interesting.