Archive · 16 Sep 2026
BJP Names Slain Adhikari Aide’s Mother for Nandigram Bypoll
The BJP has chosen Hasirani Rath to run in the Nandigram election.
She is the mother of Chandranath Rath, who worked for Suvendu Adhikari and was killed in May.
The murder investigation was transferred from state investigators to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Hasirani Rath has worked in local politics for many years.
Suvendu Adhikari joined her during the filing of her nomination papers.
The BJP also chose Sakharav Sarkar for the Rejinagar seat.
Several parties and different TMC factions are competing in the two elections.
People will vote on October 6, and officials will count the votes on October 9.
The BJP named Hasirani Rath, mother of slain aide Chandranath Rath, as its Nandigram candidate.
Former Murshidabad BJP president Sakharav Sarkar was chosen for the Rejinagar bypoll.
Chandranath Rath was shot in Madhyamgram on May 6; the case was later transferred to the CBI.
Hasirani Rath filed her Nandigram nomination in Haldia during a rally attended by Suvendu Adhikari.
Nandigram and Rejinagar will vote on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9.
- Who
- The BJP, Hasirani Rath, Sakharav Sarkar, Suvendu Adhikari, rival TMC factions, Congress and Left parties are involved.
- What
- The BJP announced candidates for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly by-elections.
- When
- Candidates were announced on September 15, 2026; polling is scheduled for October 6 and counting for October 9.
- Where
- The contests are in Nandigram and Rejinagar, West Bengal; Hasirani Rath filed her nomination in Haldia.
- Why
- Nandigram became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur, while the BJP presented Rath’s candidacy as linked to her son’s killing and her local political experience.
BJP and Adhikari’s Framing
Rival Parties and Electoral Contest
Meaning of Hasirani Rath’s candidacy
BJP and Adhikari’s Framing
The BJP has emphasized Rath’s connection to Chandranath Rath’s killing, her grassroots political experience and her potential to give the Nandigram campaign an emotional dimension.
Rival Parties and Electoral Contest
The contest also includes candidates from rival TMC factions, Congress and the Left, which are presenting their own political alternatives rather than leaving the seat uncontested.
Allegations surrounding Chandranath Rath’s killing
BJP and Adhikari’s Framing
Suvendu Adhikari alleged that a group he referred to as the “Bhaipo Gang” paid more than Rs 2 crore to contract killers; the CBI investigation is continuing.
Rival Parties and Electoral Contest
The articles present the allegation as Adhikari’s claim and do not report a response from those he accused. The case remains under CBI investigation.
Opposition coordination
BJP and Adhikari’s Framing
The BJP is contesting both seats in a multi-cornered election amid disputes over TMC’s organisational control and election symbol.
Rival Parties and Electoral Contest
Attempts at cooperation reportedly did not produce a common candidate, while TMC factions, Congress, CPI, CPI(M) and RSP have fielded separate nominees.
- Nandigram BJP candidate
- Hasirani Rath, mother of slain former Suvendu Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath.
- Rejinagar BJP candidate
- Sakharav Sarkar, former Murshidabad district president and current BJP state committee member.
- Chandranath Rath case
- Rath was shot by motorcycle-borne assailants in Madhyamgram on May 6; he later died in hospital and the driver was injured.
- Investigation
- The case was initially investigated by state police and a Special Investigation Team before being transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
- Nandigram vacancy
- Suvendu Adhikari vacated Nandigram after winning both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the 2026 Assembly elections and retaining Bhabanipur.
- Election schedule
- Polling is scheduled for October 6, counting for October 9, and September 16 is the nomination deadline.
- Political setting
- The contests include the BJP, Congress, Left parties, two rival TMC factions and, in Rejinagar, the RSP and Humayun Kabir’s backed candidate.
Sources
BJP fields slain Suvendu aide's mother from Nandigram
Mother Of Suvendu Adhikari's Ex-Aide Is Face Of BJP's Nandigram Gamble
BJP fields mother of murdered Suvendu aide for Nandigram bypoll
BJP Fields Mother Of Suvendu-PA At Nandigram Bypoll
West Bengal: BJP Fields Hasirani Rath For Nandigram Assembly Byelection, Suvendu Adhikari Joins Nomination Rally
BJP names murdered Suvendu Adhikari aide’s mother as Nandigram bypoll candidate, ex-Murshidabad chief in Rejinagar
WB bypolls: BJP fields mother of CM’s slain aide in Nandigram, ex-Murshidabad chief in Rejinagar
