Krishnanagar (Nadia): The Election Commission has rejected the nomination of Trinamool candidate Abhinav Bhattacharya from Krishnanagar North — the first such rejection involving a recognised party’s candidate in the 2026 Bengal assembly elections.The EC invoked Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which disqualifies anyone with a subsisting contract with the govt for the supply of goods or execution of works. The EC found that Bhattacharya’s business dealings with the state govt constituted a conflict of interest, rendering his candidature invalid, sources said.Trinamool, anticipating the possibility, had already filed the nomination of an alternative candidate. Somnath Dutta is now expected to contest the Krishnanagar North constituency as the party’s nominee.Bhattacharya called the development “very unfortunate” but said he would abide by the party’s decision. CM Mamata Banerjee had introduced him as the party’s candidate at a public rally in Shantipur earlier this week.
