With the West Bengal Assembly Elections approaching, internal dissent within the BJP in North Bengal has spilled into the public domain, with a group of disgruntled leaders announcing their own candidates under a separate banner.
Rallying under the platform of the Bharatiya Sanatan Hindu Mancha, dissident BJP workers led by former district vice-president Alok Chakraborty on Tuesday declared candidates for three constituencies in North Bengal — Siliguri, Dabgram-Fulbari, and Jalpaiguri Sadar. They further indicated that nominees for 29 additional seats would be announced in the coming days.
Addressing the media, Chakraborty said the move was driven by a larger ideological and organisational concern.
“In the interest of Hindu society and the nation, we aim to field candidates in 32 constituencies across the state. For now, we have announced candidates for three seats in North Bengal,” he stated. He confirmed that Tarun Talapatra has been fielded from Siliguri, Alok Sen from Dabgram-Fulbari, while a candidate has also been nominated for Jalpaiguri Sadar.
Explaining his fallout with the party, Chakraborty alleged neglect and humiliation despite years of service.
“I have done a great deal for the party, yet received no recognition. I faced humiliation during the 2023 Dhupguri by-election. When I sought justice, those I accused were rewarded instead,” he claimed, adding that despite setting a deadline for the leadership to respond, he received no communication, prompting him to contest independently.
Echoing similar grievances, Dabgram-Fulbari candidate Sen alleged that long-time party workers were being sidelined in favour of newcomers.
“I was supposed to receive a ticket in 2021, but didn’t. Veterans are being ignored. That is why I have stepped into the arena,” he said, asserting that he represents the “true face” of the BJP and expressing confidence that votes would swing in his favour.
Sen also raised concerns over a lack of development in the region, citing poor infrastructure and inadequate public services.
“Whether it is roads or ambulance services, people have received nothing. There is a demand for change,” he said. He further asserted that he would not withdraw his candidature, even under pressure from the central leadership, unless officially nominated by the party.
The roots of the discontent trace back to the Dhupguri by-election 2023, during which Chakraborty alleged that he was physically assaulted by party members during a protest outside a BJP office. Despite raising the issue with senior leaders, including state president Samik Bhattacharya, he claims no action was taken.
The emergence of rebel candidates has raised concerns within the BJP’s district leadership, as it risks splitting votes in key constituencies. With the Assembly election drawing closer, it remains to be seen whether party leaders can engage in damage control, pacify the dissidents, and persuade them to withdraw from the contest.
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