The BJP has decided not to field the two incumbent MLAs from Arambagh and Goghat in the upcoming Assembly elections.
In Arambagh, Hemanta Bag has been named as the party’s candidate, replacing Madhusudan Bag. In Goghat, the ticket has been awarded to Prashanta Digar, a resident of Selampur, replacing Biswanath Karak.
The denial of tickets to the two outgoing MLAs has triggered intense discussion within party ranks. However, Biman Ghosh and Sushanta Ghosh have secured tickets for the Khanakul and Pursurah constituencies, respectively.
Hemanta Bag, a local resident, will contest from Arambagh, while Prashanta Digar will represent the party in Goghat. In Pursurah, the incumbent MLA Biman Ghosh has been re-nominated, and Sushanta Ghosh has once again been fielded from Khanakul.
Following the announcement, Biman Ghosh and Sushanta Ghosh expressed their gratitude to the party leadership for reposing faith in them and said they would strive to secure victory with a larger margin this time.
The most widely discussed development in the Arambagh sub-division, however, remains the denial of tickets to Madhusudan Bag and Biswanath Karak. Questions had earlier been raised about their public outreach, with the TMC alleging that the two MLAs were rarely seen in their respective constituencies.
Protest rallies were organised in both Arambagh and Goghat, featuring “missing” posters targeting the two legislators. Trinamul leaders and activists took part in these demonstrations, carrying the posters, and “missing person” complaints were reportedly lodged at local police stations.
The MLAs have denied the allegations, maintaining that they have been present and active in their constituencies.