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Referring to Suvendu Adhikari contesting from Bhabanipur, Dasgupta said the move shows that the BJP is directly challenging Mamata Banerjee in her own political stronghold.
Swapan Dasgupta (left) will contest the upcoming Assembly election from the Rashbehari constituency on a BJP ticket. (Image: PTI)
Former Rajya Sabha MP and journalist Swapan Dasgupta will contest the West Bengal Assembly election from the Rashbehari constituency on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. Rashbehari is adjacent to Bhabanipur, a seat considered as stronghold of the All India Trinamool Congress.
Soon after the announcement of his candidature, Dasgupta spoke exclusively to News18 about the election, the issues in the state, and the political battle ahead.
On being fielded from Rashbehari
Dasgupta said he is grateful to the BJP for giving him the opportunity to contest from what he described as a prestigious constituency.
“I am thankful that the party has given me the opportunity to contest from this prestigious seat. This election is about the future of Bengal. It is a fight against misrule in the state. There are no jobs, students are leaving the state for opportunities, women do not feel secure, and corruption is widespread. We are confident that the BJP will not only perform well but will also form the government.”
On TMC calling South Kolkata its stronghold
Responding to the Trinamool Congress claim that South Kolkata is its traditional stronghold, Dasgupta said: “Yes, it has been considered the home turf of Mamata Banerjee. But people here are now disillusioned with the Trinamool Congress and are looking for change. Issues such as unemployment, migration of students, concerns over women’s safety and corruption are deeply felt by people. I will reach out to voters and take these issues to them.”
Confidence about the election outcome
Dasgupta expressed confidence that the BJP will perform strongly in the election.
“The BJP is confident that it will do well in the election and will form the government in West Bengal.”
On Suvendu Adhikari contesting from Bhabanipur
Referring to Suvendu Adhikari contesting from Bhabanipur, Dasgupta said the move shows that the BJP is directly challenging Banerjee in her own political stronghold.
He added that Bhabanipur’s proximity to Rashbehari could also influence his constituency.
“Bhabanipur is adjacent to Rashbehari. Suvendu Adhikari contesting from there will have a positive impact on my campaign.”
On voter list deletions
Responding to questions about reports that around 43,000 names have been deleted from the voter list in the constituency, Dasgupta said: “I do not know whether it will benefit me or not. But the demand for a genuine and accurate voter list has always been raised by the BJP.”
On allegations over administrative transfers
Reacting to criticism from the Trinamool Congress over administrative changes ordered by the Election Commission of India, Dasgupta said: “Changes in the bureaucracy during elections are normal. It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure free, fair and intimidation-free elections. Whatever steps are necessary to ensure that should be taken.”
On ‘outsider’ allegations against BJP
Responding to claims that BJP leaders are outsiders, Dasgupta said the party’s ideological roots in Bengal go back to Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
“How can we be called outsiders? The ideological foundation of the BJP in Bengal comes from Syama Prasad Mukherjee. My family has lived here for generations.”
Campaign launch
Dasgupta said he will begin his campaign by visiting the well-known Dakati Kali Temple to seek blessings before starting his outreach among voters.
The contest in Rashbehari, especially with Bhabanipur next door, is expected to be closely watched in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
March 17, 2026, 11:10 IST
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