BJP sparks row after announcing bribery-accused candidate from Panskura West

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked a significant political controversy by nominating Sintu Senapati for the Panskura West assembly constituency in East Midnapore. Senapati, a prominent local leader, is currently listed as "absconding" in police records following a bribery and cheating case involving approximately ₹91 lakh. The decision has raised eyebrows not just among political rivals but also within the BJP’s own grassroots workers, who expressed disappointment over the selection of a candidate with a pending criminal complaint.

The timing of the nomination has added fuel to the fire, as Senapati was recently seen sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a high-profile BJP rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. Despite the written complaint filed against him at the Panskura police station and his subsequent disappearance from public view to avoid arrest, his presence on the Prime Minister's stage signaled a strong backing from the party leadership. This "same frame" appearance has prompted intense speculation and criticism about the party's vetting process for candidates.

Beyond the Panskura West controversy, the BJP’s candidate list for East Midnapore includes several other notable names. The party has placed its trust in former cricketer Ashok Dinda for a second term in Moyna, while former army officer Tapan Maiti has been nominated for the Patashpur seat. In Ramnagar, the party has fielded school teacher Chandrashekhar Mandal, and in Haldia, Pradeepkumar Bijli will represent the saffron camp. The list reflects a mix of experienced faces and newcomers, though the shadow of the Senapati nomination looms large over the district's campaign.