Actress Mafin Chakraborty, TMC leader Vikas Narayan Chowdhury join BJP ahead of Bengal polls

In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, actress Mafin Chakraborty and senior leader Vikas Narayan Chowdhury joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday. The induction took place in the presence of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from Bhabanipur and Nandigram.

Welcoming the new entrants, Adhikari said both leaders would actively participate in the party’s campaign efforts for the upcoming elections. He highlighted Chowdhury’s long political journey, noting his role in grassroots movements and past confrontations during the Left Front era, as well as his experience in local governance. According to Adhikari, Chowdhury had grown disillusioned with the All India Trinamool Congress after allegedly facing legal challenges and lack of support from party leadership. He claimed that this dissatisfaction ultimately led to Chowdhury’s decision to switch sides and join the BJP.

Mafin Chakraborty, a familiar face in the television industry with appearances in multiple serials, is expected to bolster the party’s outreach among urban and youth voters. Both new members are set to take part in BJP’s organisational campaigns as the party intensifies its preparations for the crucial state elections.