Ex-TSR jawan Tarak Saha joins West Bengal elections as BJP candidate from Swarupnagar, challenging TMC stronghold. A high-stakes triangular contest emerges with development, infrastructure, and political change at the forefront of this crucial Assembly battle.
In a political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, former Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan Tarak Saha has entered the electoral battlefield as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. His transition from a disciplined career in uniform to the unpredictable world of politics has drawn attention in both Tripura and West Bengal.
Tarak Saha, who previously served as a Rifleman (General Duty) in the Tripura State Rifles, began his career in 1998 under the 6th Battalion. After completing his basic training, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion at Radha Kishore Nagar in West Tripura district. He continued his service there until opting for voluntary retirement in July 2019, marking the end of over two decades in the security forces.
Now stepping into active politics, Saha is contesting from the Swarupnagar Assembly constituency, a seat reserved for the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Swarupnagar, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress. The constituency is set to go to polls in the second phase on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
The electoral contest in Swarupnagar is shaping up to be a high-voltage triangular battle. Saha will face off against Biswajit Mondal, the candidate backed by the CPI(M)-led Left Front, and Bina Mondal of the Trinamool Congress. Notably, in the 2021 Assembly elections, Bina Mondal secured victory in a multi-cornered contest, defeating the BJP’s Brindaban Sarkar by a margin of 34,772 votes.
Speaking to the media, Tarak Saha expressed strong confidence in his electoral prospects. He emphasized that the BJP has entrusted him with a crucial responsibility to bring development to Swarupnagar. “I am 200 percent optimistic about victory. I will win, and Swarupnagar will regain its freedom,” he asserted.
Saha also launched a sharp critique of the Trinamool Congress, alleging that the constituency has witnessed little progress during its 15-year rule. According to him, Swarupnagar remains one of the most backward regions despite its potential, particularly in agriculture.
Highlighting development priorities, Saha referred to recent infrastructure initiatives led by Narendra Modi, including the inauguration of a bridge aimed at improving connectivity. He stressed that enhanced railway links could significantly benefit local farmers by ensuring better market access and fair prices for their produce.
Furthermore, Saha expressed confidence that Union Minister Shantanu Thakur would support efforts to expand railway connectivity in the region, thereby boosting economic growth.
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As the election date approaches, Swarupnagar is witnessing heightened political activity, with all major parties intensifying their campaigns. The entry of a former TSR jawan into the fray adds a unique dimension to the contest, blending discipline, grassroots appeal, and political ambition.
With issues of development, infrastructure, and governance dominating the narrative, the Swarupnagar seat is poised to become a key battleground in the broader West Bengal electoral landscape.
