With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections entering a decisive phase, political tensions in the high-profile constituency of Nandigram have escalated sharply, marked by administrative reshuffles and fresh allegations of violence. In a sudden move, the Election Commission (EC) has removed the designated election observer for Nandigram just two days ahead of polling.
Hitesh Chowdhury, who was overseeing election-related activities in the constituency, has been transferred to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata. He has been instructed to assist in operations from there. Akhilesh Singh has been appointed as Chowdhury’s replacement. The Commission has not disclosed the reasons behind this abrupt reshuffle, prompting speculation over whether the decision is linked to recent controversies or part of a broader strategy to tighten monitoring in one of the state’s most politically sensitive seats.
Nandigram, where the Leader of the Opposition is contesting alongside the Bhabanipur seat, has remained at the centre of intense political activity. The latest administrative change comes amid rising concerns over law and order following a recent bombing incident in Naynan village under the Daudpur area.
According to reports, a late-night explosion targeted the residence of a BJP leader, with live bombs later recovered from the site. The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with the BJP alleging involvement of local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including Sheikh Sufian and Shamsul Islam. The TMC has not officially responded to these specific allegations.
BJP has demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), questioning how explosives could be stockpiled in a region already under heightened election security. Party leader Abbas Beg expressed a lack of confidence in the local police and called for an impartial investigation by central agencies under the supervision of the Election Commission.
Adding to the controversy, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal recently faced allegations from the ruling TMC regarding his visit to Nandigram earlier this month. The party claimed that Agarwal toured parts of the constituency on April 5 in the company of a local BJP leader and interacted with voters in his presence. The TMC also released a photograph to support its claims.
The Election Commission has not issued any formal statement addressing these allegations.
As polling day approaches, the developments in Nandigram underline the high stakes and charged atmosphere surrounding the constituency, which continues to draw statewide attention. With administrative changes, allegations of violence, and political accusations intensifying, all eyes remain on how the situation unfolds in the run-up to voting.
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