The results for the high-stakes Nandigram Assembly by-election in West Bengal are out, with the Bharatiya Janata Party clinching a commanding victory. Official data released by the Election Commission shows that BJP nominee Hasirani Rath defeated Congress candidate Milan Pradhan by a massive margin of 122,753 votes. The electoral race also featured CPIM contender Shantigopal Giri, though the final outcome concluded in a decisive sweep for the BJP.
Seat Vacated Following Suvendu Adhikari's Resignation
Nandigram has long been regarded as the traditional stronghold of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. During the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Suvendu Adhikari contested and won two separate constituencies: Nandigram and Bhabanipur in Kolkata. Following his dual triumph, he chose to retain the Bhabanipur seat and formally resigned from his position representing Nandigram, necessitating the by-poll. Notably, Suvendu Adhikari had previously defeated Mamata Banerjee from this very seat in the 2021 state elections.
TMC Backing and Legal Drama Surrounding Congress Candidate
The by-election witnessed intense political maneuvering when the candidate initially fielded by the Trinamool Congress withdrew from the race ahead of voting. Following that withdrawal, Mamata Banerjee decided against fielding another TMC candidate and instead extended full political backing to Congress nominee Milan Pradhan. In a rapid twist of events, Milan Pradhan was arrested mere hours after receiving Mamata Banerjee's endorsement. He subsequently approached the judiciary, where the High Court granted him bail valid until October 21 to allow him to contest the election.
Hasirani Rath's Candidacy and Background
To retain the key constituency, the BJP fielded Hasirani Rath as its standard-bearer. Hasirani Rath is the mother of Chandranath Rath, the former personal assistant to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Chandranath Rath was tragically shot dead on May 4 earlier this year. Backed by strong local support, Hasirani Rath converted the emotional and political contest into a historic margin of 122,753 votes, reaffirming the BJP's firm grip over the prestigious coastal constituency.
