The BJP has named its veteran leader, Abhijit Das, as its candidate for the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle against TMC heavyweight and incumbent MP, Abhishek Banerjee.
This constituency has become a focal point of attention, as Banerjee, who is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeks re-election from this stronghold.
Banerjee has previously represented the constituency in the Lok Sabha since 2014, securing victory twice, while the CPI(M) candidate finished as runner-up, with Das securing the third position.
Das, affectionately known as "Bobby", aged 54, had previously contested from Diamond Harbour in 2009 under the BJP banner.
According to his 2014 election affidavit, Das identified himself as a social activist and legal advisor. BJP insiders reveal that Das is renowned for his organisational acumen and wields considerable influence within the party's unions in the district.
Despite the BJP's announcement of 41 candidates in West Bengal, the selection process for the Diamond Harbour constituency took some time. The party had unveiled its initial list on March 2.
Earlier, there were indications that Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Nawshad Siddique might also throw his hat into the ring for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Diamond Harbour constituency.
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