Kolkata

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday filed his nomination from the politically significant Nandigram Assembly constituency, expressing confidence that the party will secure a decisive mandate in the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Adhikari submitted his nomination papers at Haldia in Purba Medinipur district in the presence of senior party leaders, including Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh. Two other BJP candidates from the district also filed their nominations alongside him.

Projecting optimism about the party’s prospects, Adhikari said public support for the Bharatiya Janata Party has grown significantly compared to previous elections. He reiterated the BJP’s promise to deliver a governance model focused on transparency, development, and accountability.

Currently serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Adhikari also claimed he would emerge victorious from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies, where he has been fielded in a high-stakes contest.

The elections are expected to witness an intense battle between the BJP and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting from Bhabanipur, making it one of the most closely watched seats in the state.

Nandigram remains a key battleground, especially after Adhikari defeated Banerjee there in the 2021 Assembly polls by a narrow margin.

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The elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.