Bhabanipur Or Nandigram? Suvendu Adhikari Finally Chooses One Seat After Winning Both In Bengal Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced that he will retain the Bhabanipur Assembly seat and resign from Nandigram, days after taking oath as the 9th Chief Minister of the state.

The announcement came after Adhikari won both Bhabanipur and Nandigram in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.

On Wednesday, he officially took oath in the Assembly as an MLA from Bhabanipur, confirming his decision to continue representing the high-profile Kolkata constituency.

Suvendu Adhikari Won Both Bhabanipur And Nandigram

The Assembly election results saw Suvendu Adhikari secure victories from two politically important constituencies. In Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in a closely watched contest by a margin of 15,105 votes.

The victory was considered politically significant because Bhabanipur had long been viewed as Mamata Banerjee's stronghold.

At the same time, Adhikari also retained his influence in Nandigram, where he defeated Trinamool Congress candidate Pabitra Kar by 9,665 votes.

Why Is Suvendu Leaving Nandigram?

According to election rules, a candidate cannot continue as MLA from two Assembly seats at the same time. As a result, Adhikari was required to choose one constituency and resign from the other.

He confirmed that he would continue as MLA from Bhabanipur while vacating the Nandigram seat, which will now require a bypoll.

"People Of Nandigram Will Not Feel My Absence"

While announcing his decision, Adhikari assured voters in Nandigram that he would continue supporting the constituency even after resigning from the seat.

Speaking to reporters at the Assembly premises, he said:

"Someone else will be elected as MLA from Nandigram in a bypoll. But I will not let the people there feel my absence. I will fulfil all development promises I made to the people of Nandigram alongside the rest of the state."

The statement was aimed at reassuring supporters in the constituency, which has remained politically important in Bengal politics for years.

Adhikari Recalls Support To Former MLA Phiroja Bibi

Suvendu Adhikari also referred to the period between 2009 and 2016, when Nandigram was represented by former TMC MLA Phiroja Bibi. He said that despite not officially being the MLA at that time, he had actively supported development work in the area.

"I had provided all support to Phiroja Bibi, the mother of a martyr in the 2008 Nandigram police firing, although I was not officially the MLA from that seat. I will play a similar role this time as well," he added.

Symbolic Gestures On First Day In Assembly

Wednesday also marked Adhikari's first day inside the Assembly as Chief Minister.
Before entering the House, he paid floral tributes to the statue of B. R. Ambedkar on the Assembly premises.

He was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.

In a symbolic gesture, Adhikari knelt at the entrance of the Assembly building and touched his forehead to the ground before entering the House.

The moment drew attention both inside and outside political circles.

Busy Day At Nabanna

Officials said the Chief Minister was scheduled to hold a major review meeting with departmental secretaries at the state secretariat Nabanna later in the day.
The meeting is expected to focus on governance priorities and implementation of promises made during the election campaign.

Suvendu Calls First Day In Office "Eventful"

Earlier this week, Adhikari described his first day at Nabanna as "eventful."

According to him, the new government had already started working on major election promises through decisions taken during the first cabinet meeting.

Ayushman Bharat To Be Implemented In Bengal

One of the biggest announcements made by the new government was the implementation of the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, in West Bengal.
The scheme had earlier not been implemented fully in the state under the previous government.

Adhikari said Bengal residents would now receive the benefits of the programme.

Border Fencing Work To Be Fast-Tracked

The Chief Minister also announced immediate transfer of land required for border fencing projects. According to Adhikari, the process of handing over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) would be completed within 45 days.

The announcement is being viewed as part of the BJP government's focus on border security and illegal infiltration issues in the state.

Political Significance Of Bhabanipur Decision

Political observers believe Adhikari's decision to retain Bhabanipur carries both symbolic and strategic importance. By keeping the seat where he defeated Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari strengthens his political position in Kolkata and reinforces the BJP's narrative around the Assembly election victory.

At the same time, his assurance to Nandigram supporters indicates that he intends to maintain his political influence in the region despite stepping down as MLA.

Bypoll In Nandigram Expected Soon

With Adhikari set to resign from Nandigram, the Election Commission is expected to announce a bypoll for the constituency in the coming months.

The by-election is likely to attract major political attention because of Nandigram's historical and political importance in West Bengal politics.

For now, Suvendu Adhikari has made it clear that while Bhabanipur will remain his official Assembly constituency, Nandigram will continue to stay politically close to him.