3 Cong candidates in West Burdwan pedal their way to file nominations
The Statesman | 6 April 2026
In an unusual move, Congress candidates in West Burdwan district cycled to submit their nomination papers, staging a symbolic protest against rising fuel prices.
The candidates claimed that fuel prices are likely to increase further after the elections and said their action was aimed at raising public awareness. Residents lined both sides of the route to witness the distinctive protest and filing of nominations.
Congress candidates Debesh Chakraborty from Durgapur East, Uttam Kumar Roy from Pandaveswar, and Faiyaz Ahmed from Raniganj rode bicycles from Durgapur City Centre to the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office to submit their nomination papers.
They alleged that fuel prices would rise sharply after the 2026 Bengal elections and said they had taken to the streets to alert the public.
On his way to file nomination, Debesh Chakraborty said there was a global atmosphere of conflict and criticised the Modi government in this context. He alleged that the government was attempting to create the impression of relief by reducing taxes, but claimed that petrol and diesel prices would increase significantly after the elections. He urged people to remain prepared.
“There is an attempt to mislead the public. To highlight this issue, we are filing our nominations on bicycles as a symbolic protest,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tarun Roy, who submitted his nomination carrying a copy of the Constitution, criticised the Trinamul Congress for fielding a businessman as its candidate in the Durgapur West constituency. He described the candidate as apolitical and referred to remarks made earlier suggesting a lack of political background.
Tarun Roy said he would seek votes to restore youth representation in Durgapur.