BJP Unveils Third Candidate List for West Bengal Assembly Elections

The BJP has announced its third list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly elections, featuring 19 new names, including Ratna Debnath, mother of a high-profile crime victim. Her candidacy aims to address women's safety issues in the state. The party has also revealed candidates for various constituencies, highlighting significant political figures. Additionally, BJP leader Nitin Naveen criticized the state's handling of religious activities, pointing out discrepancies in permissions for prayers and worship. Read on for more insights into the upcoming elections and the political landscape in West Bengal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 13:02 IST

BJP Announces New Candidates for Upcoming Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its third list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, featuring 19 additional names from key constituencies. A notable inclusion is Ratna Debnath, the mother of the victim from the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, who has been nominated for the Panihati constituency. Reports indicate that her candidacy was anticipated after she publicly expressed her desire to contest the elections on a BJP ticket.

Her nomination has now been officially confirmed, with the party backing her candidacy in Panihati. According to reports, Ratna Debnath previously stated that her decision to enter politics was driven by her quest for justice for her daughter and to address issues related to women's safety in West Bengal. She mentioned that despite ongoing protests and public outrage, justice in the case has been delayed, motivating her to take a more active role in electoral politics.

As per the party's announcement, candidates have also been declared for several other constituencies, including Cooch Behar South, Raiganj (SC), Islampur, Hematabad (SC), English Bazar, Shantipur, Howrah Madhya, Uttarpara, Singur, Chandannagar, Chunchura, Haripal, Tamluk, Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman South, Katwa, Saithia (SC), and Nalhati. The BJP had previously announced candidates for the first phase, and the second list includes prominent names like Nishith Pramanik, while leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari have been nominated for significant seats.

In related news, BJP leader Nitin Naveen accused the West Bengal government of applying double standards regarding religious activities. He stated that while there is complete freedom to offer prayers, organizing worship or setting up pandals requires court permission. After performing rituals at the Dakshineswar Temple in the outskirts of Kolkata, Naveen expressed that this situation is unfortunate, highlighting the disparity in permissions for prayers versus worship activities.