UPHEAVAL IN WEST BENGAL

UPHEAVAL IN WEST BENGAL

25-MARCH-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------A significant development unfolded in West Bengal politics on Monday when senior Congress leader Santosh Pathak—a native of Naya Bhojpur village in the Buxar district—formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accepted party membership at the BJP office located in Salt Lake, Kolkata, a move that has since intensified political discussions within the state's political corridors.

Santosh Pathak has been associated with the Congress party for a long time and has been elected multiple times as a Councilor from Ward No. 45 (Bara Bazar) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Given his strong influence among Hindi-speaking voters and his active involvement in social work, he has long been regarded as a heavyweight local leader within the Congress party.

According to political sources, the BJP may field him as its candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections from the Chowringhee constituency. This seat is considered one of Kolkata's key multi-ethnic areas; it encompasses several wards—including Ward 45—and is notable for the significant influence wielded by Hindi-speaking voters.

Santosh Pathak's defection to the BJP is being viewed as a major setback for the Congress, particularly because he had remained steadfastly loyal to the party organization even during its most challenging phases. An active social worker, Pathak is renowned for his efforts to assist the poor, laborers, and needy women—activities that have helped him maintain a strong personal image within the region.

Following the news of his entry into the BJP, an atmosphere of jubilation was observed among his supporters not only in West Bengal but also in his home district of Buxar, Bihar, as people showered him with continuous congratulations. Political analysts believe that if the BJP indeed nominates him as its candidate for the Chowringhee seat, the electoral contest in that region could become even more intriguing.