Kolkata

Swapan Dasgupta has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections with the goal of forming a government, rather than merely increasing its seat tally.

In an interview, Dasgupta, who is contesting from the Rashbehari constituency in south Kolkata, described his candidature as a “homecoming,” noting that his residence and extended family are based in the area. A former Rajya Sabha MP and academic associated with Nuffield College, Oxford, he said his urban background makes him well-suited for the constituency.

Dasgupta had earlier contested the 2021 Assembly elections from Tarakeswar in Hooghly district but lost narrowly to a candidate from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Highlighting the importance of Rashbehari, he pointed out that it is a politically significant seat, located close to Bhabanipur, represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He noted that BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is expected to challenge her in the upcoming polls.

While acknowledging that Rashbehari has been a TMC stronghold for decades, Dasgupta said the BJP is optimistic about improving its prospects this time. He added that the party would focus on both Rashbehari and neighbouring Bhabanipur, hoping that coordinated efforts would boost its chances.

According to him, public dissatisfaction with the TMC’s governance over the past 15 years could work in the BJP’s favour. He said the party is aiming to present itself as a credible alternative and is no longer in an early stage of growth in the state.

“This time, we are not just fighting to win seats; we are fighting to establish our own government,” he asserted, adding that the BJP is now a “government in waiting” in West Bengal.

If elected, Dasgupta said he would work towards ensuring a safer and more stable political environment in his constituency, free from criminal activities and violence. He also emphasised the importance of inclusive politics, stating that his academic background helps him engage with diverse perspectives and address people’s concerns with sincerity.

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Downplaying the challenge from experienced TMC leaders who have represented the seat in the past, he said the BJP would combine its local campaign with a broader statewide narrative to connect with voters.