I’ve to be a giant killer: BJP candidate from Bidhannagar
The Statesman | 4 April 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal is on an overdrive. They are desperate to win the state election.
While the party is going all out to win, the party candidates are trying to cash in on the anti-incumbency votes. Bidhannagar constituency is no different. The party has fielded a new candidate this time, a man entering into electoral politics for the first time.
Dr. Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, radiation and clinical oncologist with over 30 years of experience, is contesting on a BJP ticket. He may be a newbie but exudes confidence. “Yes, I’m standing for elections for the first time but hopefully not the last time. It is a very important responsibility. I’m honoured, humbled and will do whatever I can to fulfil that responsibility,” said the doctor, who is putting in 19 hours a day, campaigning and holding meetings with his party men.
Dr. Sharadwat had been a part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since 2015 and during the Covid pandemic, was inducted into the BJP fold to tackle the menace. “I was made the convenor of the Doctor’s Cell and thereafter the journey started,” he adds. Dr. Sharadwat was also the president of the medical College students’ union, when he was a student.
The BJP candidate acknowledges that being part of students’ politics has honed his skills. “I learnt how to build up an organisation, how to handle it and how to tackle people and situations,” added the doctor.
Ask him how he feels being a candidate for Assembly polls. “I’m taking this responsibility as an experience, and enjoying it, rather than taking it as a burden or something I’ve to put up with. I’m not getting stressed about it and putting my heart and soul into it,” said the oncologist.
As a newcomer, Dr. Sharadwat is also learning everyday. He is aware of his opponent, a three-time MLA from the Trinamul Congress and a state minister. Dr. Sharadwat remains unfazed when he says: “It’s easier to offset him. The concept is very clear…I can’t lose. I have to become a giant killer. In my childhood, one Biblical story I read was of David and Goliath. That has stayed with me.” The message is loud and clear!
The doctor, who specialises in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, says local issues like the pathetic condition of roads in Bidhannagar and connectivity in added areas need immediate attention. “The candidate, who also is a fire minister, should have looked into last mile connectivity. If a fire occurs in the added areas, it will be a nightmare tackling it,” he said.
In Salt Lake, the TMC votes increased from 66,130 (2016) to 75,912 in 2021, a jump of 9,782 votes. The BJP vote count in 2021 was 67,915 and 21,735 in 2016 ~ a jump of 46,180. So, in 2021, Salt Lake became a much tighter contest compared to 2016.
Ask him how much will the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) play a role in his constituency. “This time SIR will play a role. They (BJP) know after SIR it will not be a cakewalk for them. SIR has reduced their chances of winning,’ adds Dr. Sharadwat.
In 2016, TMC’s vote share was 42.85 per cent, while BJP’s vote share was 14.08 per cent. In 2021 Trinamul vote share went up to 46.85 per cent. The BJP’s vote share jumped to 41.91 per cent in 2021, a phenomenal rise.