Kolkata, 1 June (H.S.) – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday night announced Ashish Ghosh as its candidate for the upcoming by-election to the Kaliganj Assembly constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal. The by-poll is scheduled to be held on June 19, according to party sources.
The Kaliganj seat fell vacant following the death of sitting Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, a veteran leader who had represented the constituency multiple times, including victories in 2011 and 2021, with a break in 2016.
The ruling TMC has already named Alifa Ahmed, the 28-year-old daughter of the late MLA, as its candidate for the seat. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to garner sympathy votes and retain its stronghold in the region.
On the other hand, the Congress, backed by the CPI(M)-led Left Front, has nominated Kabil Uddin Shaikh as its candidate. The triangular contest is expected to be a crucial indicator of the political climate ahead of the 2026 state elections.
According to the Election Commission, the last date for filing nominations is June 2, followed by scrutiny on June 3, and withdrawal of candidatures by June 5. The results will be declared on June 23.
The Kaliganj by-election is expected to draw considerable attention, with all three major political alliances—the TMC, BJP, and the Left-Congress combine—making strong pitches to secure the seat.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
