Protest over candidature of Shantanu Thakur’s wife in Bagda
The Statesman | 3 April 2026
The Bagdah Assembly constituency in North 24-Parganas witnessed a massive protest by a section of BJP workers today, reflecting growing discontent within the party over its candidate selection for the upcoming elections.
The BJP has fielded Soma Thakur, wife of Union minister of state for shipping and Bongaon MP Shantanu Thakur, as its nominee from the Matua-dominated seat. However, the announcement has triggered resentment among local party workers, who alleged that an “outsider” has been imposed on the constituency. Raising slogans such as “We will not accept an outsider candidate,” aggrieved BJP supporters took out a protest rally at Helencha Bazaar this afternoon. Demonstrators also raised slogans targeting Shantanu Thakur, demanding a reconsideration of the party’s decision.
Local BJP leader Dulal Bar was seen participating in the agitation, which has now taken a more organised form. The protesters warned of a larger movement if the party fails to nominate a “son or daughter of the soil” from the constituency. The unrest, which was initially limited to murmurs within the organisation, has now spilled onto the streets, indicating deep-rooted dissatisfaction among grassroots workers. Sources said that Soma Thakur had already sensed resistance during her initial campaign outreach. While seeking blessings from a senior local BJP leader, she reportedly encountered visible disapproval, hinting at the challenges ahead for her candidature.
Interestingly, the electoral contest in Bagdah is set to take on a “family feud” dimension. The Trinamul Congress has nominated Madhuparna Thakur, daughter of Mamata Thakur, from the same influential Matua family of Thakurnagar. This has turned the seat into a high-profile battle between relatives, drawing significant political attention across the state.
The discontent in Bagdah is not an isolated incident. Similar protests have erupted in other parts of West Bengal following the announcement of candidates by both BJP and the ruling Trinamul Congress. In Alipurduar, BJP workers opposed the nomination of Paritosh Das, while in Harinhata, party workers demanded a change of candidate, citing organisational weaknesses. Political observers believe that such internal dissent, if left unaddressed, could impact the BJP’s electoral prospects in several constituencies. With campaigning gathering momentum, the party leadership faces the challenge of containing rebellion within its ranks while presenting a united front against its main rival. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the BJP leadership responds to the unrest in Bagdah and beyond.