Chandrima Bhattacharya Trails in Dum Dum Uttar as BJP’s Sourav Sikdar Surges Ahead in West Bengal 2026 Count

Key facts

• Chandrima Bhattacharya (TMC) trails in Dum Dum Uttar with 54,248 votes after 10 rounds.
• BJP’s Sourav Sikdar leads Dum Dum Uttar with 69,933 votes, a margin of over 15,000.
• BJP’s Kamala Kanta Hansda wins Kashipur seat with 106,571 votes.
• Bhattacharya declared assets of ₹1.26 crore in 2026, up from ₹58 lakh in 2021.
• Bhattacharya holds zero immovable assets; lives in a leasehold property on Garcha Road, Kolkata.
• Dum Dum Uttar saw a triangular contest: TMC, BJP, and CPI(M) candidate Dipsita Dhar.
• Bhattacharya raised concerns about EVM malfunctions in South Kolkata after voting on April 29.

A Trusted Lieutenant’s Uncertain Fate

Chandrima Bhattacharya, a senior Trinamool Congress leader and one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s most trusted lieutenants, is trailing in the Dum Dum Uttar constituency after 10 rounds of counting in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. With 54,248 votes, she lags behind Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Sourav Sikdar, who has secured 69,933 votes — a lead of more than 15,000. The result, if it holds, would mark a significant setback for the TMC in a constituency it has long considered a stronghold. Bhattacharya, who serves as Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) and also heads the Mahila Trinamool Congress, has been a central figure in the state government, managing critical portfolios including Health, Family Welfare, and Land Reforms. Her campaign this year was built around a spirited defence of the “Ma Mati Manush” governance model, emphasising women-centric schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar.

BJP Consolidates Urban Gains in North 24 Parganas

The Dum Dum Uttar constituency, located in the North 24 Parganas district, is a critical urban segment with a mix of industrial and residential neighbourhoods. The BJP’s decision to field Sourav Sikdar reflects its strategy to consolidate its growing urban presence in the region. Sikdar’s substantial lead suggests that the party’s outreach, combined with public discontent over civic issues like waterlogging and poor roads, has resonated with voters. The contest was triangular, with CPI(M) youth leader Dipsita Dhar also in the fray. Dhar, a research scholar and doctorate holder, aimed to capture the youth and urban vote, but early counting shows her trailing behind the two main contenders.

BJP Holds Kashipur as Kamala Kanta Hansda Wins

In the Medinipur region, the BJP retained the Kashipur seat as Kamala Kanta Hansda won with 106,571 votes. Hansda, who led throughout the counting, defeated fellow BJP candidate Soumen Beltharia, who trailed with 91,800 votes at one stage. The result underscores the BJP’s strong performance in the Medinipur zone, where it has been building support over successive elections. The Kashipur assembly seat, part of the Medinipur region, has been a focus for the BJP’s expansion in southern West Bengal. Hansda’s victory, with a margin of over 14,000 votes against a candidate from his own party (a reflection of internal contest dynamics), reinforces the party’s organisational strength in the area.

Bhattacharya’s Financial Disclosure and Background

Chandrima Bhattacharya, born on December 5, 1955, is a veteran advocate with deep academic roots in Kolkata. She holds a B.Com (1972) and an LL.B (1976) from Calcutta University and practised civil and constitutional law in the Calcutta High Court for over three decades before entering politics in 2011. Her political career took off during the historic wave that ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule. In her 2026 election affidavit, Bhattacharya declared total assets worth approximately ₹1.26 crore, a significant increase from the ₹58 lakh declared in 2021. Notably, she declared zero immovable assets, living in a leasehold property on Garcha Road, Kolkata. Her movable assets include over ₹1.11 crore in bank deposits and a vehicle valued at ₹11.52 lakh.

EVM Concerns and Campaign Trail Friction

After casting her vote on April 29, 2026, Bhattacharya raised concerns about EVM malfunctions in South Kolkata, asserting that the people’s faith in Mamata Banerjee remains unshaken despite what she termed “procedural hurdles.” Her campaign had been a sharp critic of the Election Commission regarding voter list deletions, a issue that resonated with her base. The Election Commission, however, reported a record 91.58% turnout in the first phase of polling, with the Chief Election Commissioner hailing it as the “highest-ever polling percentage.” The high turnout was seen as a sign of intense voter engagement, though it also raised questions about the efficiency of EVMs in handling such volumes.

Stakes for the TMC and Mamata Banerjee

Bhattacharya’s potential defeat in Dum Dum Uttar would be a personal blow to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has relied on her as a key administrator and party organiser. The TMC’s women’s wing, which Bhattacharya leads, has been a crucial part of the party’s grassroots machinery, especially in mobilising female voters through schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar. If the trend holds, it could signal broader challenges for the TMC in urban constituencies, where the BJP has been steadily gaining ground. The party’s performance in the Medinipur region, where it lost Kashipur, further underscores the need for a strategic reassessment. Exit polls had indicated a close contest, with some predicting a TMC win and others giving an edge to the BJP.

What Comes Next: Counting Continues, Alliances Watch

As counting continues across West Bengal’s 294 assembly seats, the final outcome will determine whether the TMC can retain its majority or if the BJP can form government for the first time in the state. The results in constituencies like Dum Dum Uttar and Kashipur are early indicators of the broader trend. For Bhattacharya, a defeat would mark the end of a political career that has seen her rise from a practising advocate to a key minister. She has promised, if re-elected, to upgrade local health infrastructure and accelerate the digitalisation of land records in her constituency. Whether she gets that chance now depends on the remaining rounds of counting and any potential recounts.

The bottom line

• Chandrima Bhattacharya trails by over 15,000 votes in Dum Dum Uttar, a key TMC stronghold.
• BJP’s Sourav Sikdar leads with 69,933 votes after 10 rounds, reflecting growing urban support.
• BJP retains Kashipur seat as Kamala Kanta Hansda wins with 106,571 votes.
• Bhattacharya’s assets rose from ₹58 lakh to ₹1.26 crore, with zero immovable property.
• Record 91.58% turnout in phase 1; EVM malfunctions alleged by TMC.
• Triangular contest in Dum Dum Uttar included CPI(M) candidate Dipsita Dhar.
• Outcome will test TMC’s hold on urban seats and Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.