BJP faces internal revolt in North Bengal as candidate row turns violent
The Statesman | 1 April 2026
Dissent within the over candidate selection has begun surfacing across several constituencies in north Bengal, intensifying after the party’s fourth list of nominees.
Following the replacement of its candidate in Maynaguri, demands for similar changes are now emerging from other pockets. The situation turned volatile in Sitai Assembly constituency after the announcement of Ashutosh Barma as the party nominee.
Political observers in Cooch Behar believe that the Maynaguri episode may trigger similar unrest in other constituencies where resentment over candidates persists.
Tension prevailed in Cooch Behar South constituency, where BJP candidate Rathindra Bose’s vehicle was allegedly vandalised for the second consecutive day. The BJP has accused Trinamul Congress workers of obstructing his campaign and carrying out the attack.
However, Trinamul Congress district president Abhijit De Bhowmik, who is also the party’s candidate from Cooch Behar South, denied the allegations. He claimed that public anger over issues like the SIR exercise has fuelled resentment against BJP candidates. “People are so agitated that they are reacting spontaneously,” he said.
Mr Bose, on the other hand, termed the incident a “political conspiracy” and alleged that attempts are being made to prevent him from campaigning effectively. He claimed that he is being obstructed through various means to restrict his outreach.
It may be noted that Mr Bose, a chartered accountant based in Siliguri, has been targeted by the Trinamul Congress as an “outsider,” despite having roots in Cooch Behar.