Elections – AJUP Unveils Candidates Ahead of West Bengal Polls
Elections – The Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) has taken a significant step in preparing for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections by announcing a fresh list of candidates across multiple constituencies. Party chief Humayun Kabir revealed the names during a public address on Sunday, outlining the party’s growing presence in the state’s electoral landscape.
AJUP Leadership Enters Key Electoral Battles
Kabir confirmed that he will contest from key constituencies, positioning himself prominently in the political contest. He stated that he would be entering the race in multiple seats, including Rejinagar and Nowda. In Bhabanipur, a high-profile constituency, Punam Begam has been fielded as the party’s candidate, where she is expected to face prominent political figures.
Additionally, Asif Iqbal has been nominated to contest from Berhampore, further strengthening the party’s candidate lineup in the Murshidabad region. Kabir emphasized that the party has already identified a large number of candidates and plans to contest extensively across the state.
Expansion Plans and Seat Strategy
According to Kabir, the AJUP is preparing to contest in 182 assembly seats across West Bengal. While several candidates have already been announced, the party is expected to release more names in the coming days as preparations intensify.
He also highlighted that earlier announcements had already included multiple candidates, and the recent additions further expand the party’s electoral presence. The leadership appears focused on building a comprehensive slate that can compete across diverse regions of the state.
Alliance with AIMIM Gains Momentum
In a parallel development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has confirmed its alliance with the AJUP for the upcoming elections. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi stated that his party will support the alliance and contest a limited number of seats as part of the arrangement.
Owaisi indicated that a joint press conference with Kabir is scheduled in Kolkata, where further details about the alliance and seat-sharing arrangements are expected to be disclosed. This collaboration is being seen as a strategic move aimed at consolidating support in specific constituencies.
Candidate Announcements Continue to Grow
Kabir also provided details about earlier candidate announcements, noting that the party had initially released a list of 15 candidates. With the addition of new names, including candidates for Raninagar, Bhagwangola, and Murshidabad constituencies, the total number of घोषित candidates has increased.
The party leadership has indicated that these announcements are part of a phased strategy, allowing them to evaluate local dynamics and strengthen their campaign gradually.
Election Schedule and Political Context
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, 2026. The counting of votes will be held on May 4, setting the stage for a closely watched political contest in the state.
With multiple parties announcing candidates and forming alliances, the political environment in West Bengal is becoming increasingly competitive. AJUP’s decision to contest a large number of seats, combined with its partnership with AIMIM, signals its intent to play a more significant role in the state’s electoral politics.
As campaigning gains momentum, further announcements from political parties are expected, shaping the narrative ahead of the polls.