BJP fields Bankim Chandra's kin Sumitra Chatterjee in Naihati for 2026 Assembly Polls

• BJP has announced Sumitra Chatterjee, a member of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's family, as its candidate for the Naihati assembly constituency in the upcoming 2026 elections.
• Sumitra Chatterjee recently joined BJP and is believed to be part of a strategy to leverage Bankim Chandra's legacy in Naihati.
• This move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's controversial reference to Bankim Chandra as 'Bankim Da' in Parliament, with analysts suggesting it's a damage control effort.
• The Trinamool Congress has a strong organization in Naihati, while BJP's presence is considered weaker, facing challenges like voter list revision issues.
• The election will test Sumitra Chatterjee's ability to challenge the ruling party despite organizational disparities and local resentments.