The News Update: In the 2019 Lok Sabha election in Bishnupur, West Bengal, Saumitra Khan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) couldn’t campaign due to a legal issue. His wife Sujata took charge and helped him win. However, they later divorced. Now, they’re competing against each other for the same seat. Bishnupur has seen different parties winning in recent years.
The BJP won in Bishnupur and Bankura in the past elections but lost some areas to Trinamool in 2021. Trinamool’s decision to field Sujata against her ex-husband is seen as strategic. Sujata knows the area well and is familiar to voters.
Their personal feud has made the election intense. Sujata called Saumitra names, while he dismissed her as “mad.” Both candidates are making personal attacks.
Sujata faced criticism for implying that areas voting for BJP wouldn’t receive help from Trinamool.
Recently, an influential BJP MLA joined Trinamool, predicting a close contest but suggesting Trinamool might win due to dissatisfaction with Saumitra’s performance.
Whether BJP retains its seats or not, Bishnupur’s election remains a gripping drama.