Bhabanipur’s CM Stakes: Foot Soldiers’ Slogan Redefines Mamata Banerjee-Suvendu Adhikari Bengal Rematch

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 22:15 IST

Adhikari’s political positioning has been shaped by his victory over Banerjee in Nandigram during the previous assembly election

A slogan raised during a door-to-door campaign in Bhabanipur has drawn attention to the political messaging around the West Bengal constituency. On Wednesday evening, a group of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were heard raising the slogan, “Whoever wins Bhabanipur will become the Chief Minister of Bengal."

The slogan assumes significance given the high-profile contest involving chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari. When asked about the remark, Adhikari downplayed its importance, stating that such slogans may have been raised “in emotion" by party workers. He added that leadership decisions rest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party high command and reiterated that the immediate objective remains to defeat the incumbent chief minister.

Adhikari’s political positioning has been shaped by his victory over Banerjee in Nandigram during the previous assembly election. The win is widely regarded as a defining moment in his political career and led to his appointment as the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly. The position of leader of the opposition carries institutional significance in a parliamentary democracy, often viewed as a key counterweight to the ruling government.

At present, Adhikari continues to hold the post of LoP. The BJP has fielded him from two constituencies—Nandigram and Bhabanipur—indicating a strategic deployment in politically sensitive seats. This marks the second direct electoral contest between Adhikari and Banerjee.

Political observers and sections within the party indicate that the BJP’s central leadership is placing considerable emphasis on Adhikari’s role in the state. This is reflected in the presence and expected participation of senior leaders during the nomination process. Union home minister Amit Shah is expected to attend Adhikari’s nomination filing in Bhabanipur, while union minister Dharmendra Pradhan was present during his nomination in Nandigram.

According to sources within the BJP, the party leadership views Adhikari as a key figure in its electoral strategy in West Bengal. His earlier victory over Banerjee has positioned him as a central challenger, and the decision to field him again against the chief minister—this time in her political stronghold—underscores the importance attached to the contest.

The developments in Bhabanipur are likely to remain under close watch, as both parties intensify their campaign efforts in what is emerging as one of the most closely followed electoral battles in the state.

News elections Bhabanipur’s CM Stakes: Foot Soldiers’ Slogan Redefines Mamata Banerjee-Suvendu Adhikari Bengal Rematch

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