BJP Likely to Field Abhaya's Mother from Panihati
By KUNAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, March 19, 2026: The mother of Abhaya, the young doctor allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in August 2024, has sparked intense political buzz by announcing her intent to contest the West Bengal Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from the Panihati constituency. This development, unfolding amid BJP's candidate list releases, signals a high-stakes emotional battle against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Abhaya's mother, whose real name remains largely undisclosed in public discourse, confirmed her decision on March 18 after receiving offers from multiple parties. She chose the BJP, citing their commitment to women's safety and justice for her daughter, unlike Left parties, whom she accuses of obstructing the investigation. "I want to uproot TMC's roots," she declared, vowing to fight corruption and ensure accountability.
Media reports peg the likelihood of her official nomination at 80-90%, driven by the BJP's second candidate list expected today or tomorrow. The party's first list on March 16 omitted Panihati, but insider buzz and a recent visit by BJP leader Arjun Singh suggest her inclusion is imminent. Family sources confirm nomination papers are ready, positioning her against TMC's Tirthankar Ghosh, son of veteran Nirmal Ghosh.
BJP's strategy leverages the RG Kar protests' lingering anger, where Abhaya's tragic death ignited nationwide outrage over safety lapses. Fielding her transforms a personal tragedy into a poll plank, contrasting with TMC's alleged mishandling and Left's perceived indifference. Her husband reinforced this, slamming CPI(M) for past barriers in the case.
Panihati, in North 24 Parganas, is a TMC bastion, but anti-incumbency and justice demands could tilt the scales. Analysts note the BJP's pattern of elevating protest icons, as seen in prior lists. No official word from the BJP yet, but her public resolve and timing make denial unlikely.
This candidacy amplifies calls for justice, with Abhaya's parents long criticising state inaction. It could galvanize women voters and urban youth, pressuring TMC ahead of polls. As the list finalises, her story underscores how personal grief fuels Bengal's polarised politics.
