BJP Banks on Arjun Singh's Clout in Barrackpore Industrial Belt

As the BJP released its second list on Thursday, it became clear that the party is aiming to consolidate its influence in the industrial belt of Barrackpore by banking on former MP Arjun Singh’s clout in the area. After announcing the candidature of his son, Pawan Singh, for Bhatpara in the first list, the BJP on Thursday announced to field Arjun Singh from Noapara. Both the Assembly seats fall in the North 24 Parganas district. “It is a good opportunity. We are fourth-generation political families… My father has immense popularity in this belt. While his short-term return to the TMC slightly impacted his image, he still secured four lakh votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, losing by 70,000 amid rigging,” Pawan told The Indian Express . Pawan expressed confidence that after the “weeding of dead voters” following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), both he and his father would emerge victorious. He had defeated veteran TMC leader Madan Mitra from Bhatpara five years ago. This time, TMC has fielded Amit Gupta against Pawan Singh. Arjun Singh, known for his aggressive campaigning style, was even more blunt about the party’s prospects. Despite losing the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat to TMC’s Partha Bhowmick by roughly in 2024, Arjun remained undeterred. “My opponent in Naopara has already lost the fight…. I can proudly say that all seven Assembly segments in Barrackpore will go to the BJP this time,” Arjun Singh asserted, referring to his extensive personal influence across the region, including Bijpur, Jagaddal, and Naihati Assembly seats. Earlier, TMC had named Trinankur Bhattacharya as its candidate from Naopara.