Three BJP candidates file nomination papers for Rajya Sabha byelections in Bengal
Three former Trinamool Congress leaders have filed nominations for Rajya Sabha byelections in West Bengal as BJP candidates. The move follows their recent defection to the BJP after the party's assembly election victory.
Why it matters
This highlights significant political realignment in West Bengal and the BJP's strategy of absorbing credible opposition figures to consolidate its legislative influence.
Three BJP candidates — Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik — filed their nomination papers on Monday (July 13, 2026), for the Rajya Sabha byelections in West Bengal , scheduled to be held on July 24, officials said.
The three leaders submitted the papers before the Returning Officer at the West Bengal Assembly, they said.
The three Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant after Mr. Ray, Ms. Dev and Mr. Baraik resigned from the Upper House of Parliament and quit the TMC following the party’s Assembly election defeat. They are now poised to return to Parliament barely a month later, on BJP tickets this time.
They joined the BJP on July 9, 2026, and were named the party’s candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal within hours.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in