Nadia, March 27: Former BJP legislator Arindam Bhattacharya has decided to contest the upcoming elections independently after being denied a party ticket. In Shantipur, a campaign to write messages of support for him on walls, without any electoral symbols, has gained significant attention.
Speaking to Patrika English, Bhattacharya expressed his gratitude towards those participating in the wall writing campaign, referring to them as “like my younger brothers.” He stated, “I know each one of them, and this work is still ongoing. While I could ask them not to do this, I could also encourage them to continue. There was a special hope in the hearts of the people that has not been fulfilled, which is why this campaign is happening. It involves not just one or two people, but several thousand.”
Bhattacharya, a proponent of the principle of ‘self-reliance’ that he introduced when joining the BJP in 2021, emphasized his intention to directly ask the public for their support. “If they confirm that there is indeed a need for ‘self-reliance,’ I will move forward to contest the elections,” he added.
He also criticized Jagannath Sarkar, the MP from the Ranaghat Lok Sabha constituency, for boasting about his victory in the 2021 elections, which Bhattacharya claims he worked hard to secure. “After winning, that person bragged about becoming a hero, neglecting the votes of the common people and disappointing party workers who had opposed the ruling party to ensure his victory,” he remarked.
Bhattacharya reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Shantipur, stating, “I have stood with the people in the past, and I stand with them today.” The wall writing campaign, which is ongoing without any electoral symbols, has sparked considerable discussion locally. Residents believe that Bhattacharya’s independent candidacy could create a new dynamic in the region’s politics.