Internal Discord Hits BJP in Key North Bengal Seats Ahead of Assembly Polls

MP, Jalpaiguri, April 2, 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party is facing internal strife in key North Bengal constituencies as Assembly elections approach, raising concerns about party cohesion.

In Maynaguri, a vital seat in the tea belt, dissident BJP workers locked the party office Wednesday, demanding the reinstatement of outgoing MLA Kaushik Roy as the candidate. Leadership had replaced him with Dalim Roy, prompting allegations of unfair ticket allocation and unverified claims of monetary exchange. Confrontations occurred when Dalim Roy’s supporters attempted to break the office lock, escalating factional tensions.

Meanwhile, in Mal Assembly Constituency, protests erupted over the selection of Shukra Munda, perceived as overlooking local tea garden leaders. Vandalism at the party office in Malbazar was reported, and several labour leaders, including Anil Oraon and Pilatus Oraon, remained inactive pending direction from party leadership.

District secretary Rakesh Nandi described the unrest as an “internal matter,” while candidates Dalim Roy and Shukra Munda downplayed tensions, asserting that dialogue continues and most grievances are being addressed. Observers warn that the lack of active participation from labour leaders in tea garden areas could benefit the Trinamool Congress.

In contrast, the BJP appears to have stabilized in Rajganj, where candidate Dinesh Sarkar successfully resolved differences with local leaders, who later expressed unity and confidence in victory.