Kolkata, 18 March (H.S.): Political tensions have escalated in the Rajganj Assembly constituency of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, after senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Khageswar Roy openly rebelled against the party following denial of a ticket.

A day after his name was dropped from the candidate list, Roy on Wednesday hardened his stand and said he has given the party leadership 48 hours to reconsider its decision. He warned that he would take a final decision if no changes are made within that period, a move that could alter the political equations in the constituency.

Roy blamed election strategy firm I-PAC for his exclusion from the list, alleging that his name was removed after monetary considerations. He also questioned the selection of Rajganj candidate and Arjuna Award-winning athlete Swapna Barman, claiming that people in the constituency do not recognise her and that her defeat is certain.

He further claimed that he had already spent several lakh rupees on election campaigning in anticipation of getting the party ticket.

According to Roy, several senior party leaders have reached out to him in an attempt to pacify him. He said that leaders from Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts have already contacted him. He also claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had conveyed a message through the Jalpaiguri district administration asking him to remain calm.

After being denied the ticket, Roy had announced his resignation from the post of district TMC chairman. However, district party president Mahua Gop rejected the claim, stating that no written resignation has been received so far and hence no decision has been taken.

Meanwhile, the gap between the claims made by Roy’s supporters and the official party position has created uncertainty within the local unit of the party.

All eyes are now on the next 24 to 48 hours, as it remains to be seen whether the TMC leadership will be able to persuade Roy to fall in line or whether new political equations, including the possibility of an independent candidature, emerge in the Rajganj constituency.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh