Trinamool MLA from Gopiballavpur joins BJP. At the BJP office in Bidhannagar, outgoing Trinamool MLA Khagendranath Mahato from Gopiballavpur, Jhargram, took the party flag from Suvendu Adhikari.

Hours before the first phase of voting, a Trinamool MLA joins BJP under Suvendu's guidance, says, 'I want to work for the people' zoom

The first phase of elections begins at dawn. Just a few hours before that, the Trinamool MLA from Gopiballavpur joined the BJP. At the BJP office in Bidhannagar, outgoing Trinamool MLA Khagendranath Mahato from Gopiballavpur, Jhargram, took the party flag from Suvendu Adhikari.

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He did not receive a ticket from Trinamool for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Election. The ruling party fielded Ajit Mahato as a new face from the Gopiballavpur constituency. According to sources, his resentment grew from then on. Khagendranath Mahato was not seen campaigning for the party’s candidate. He was even absent from the rally held in Jhargram by Trinamool’s second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee in support of party candidate Ajit Mahato. On Wednesday, he joined the BJP in Kolkata.

After joining the BJP, Khagendranath Mahato said, “I am a doctor. I left my job to become a Trinamool MLA. This Trinamool has betrayed the people. No gentleman can remain in this party. I joined the BJP in the interest of the country’s and India’s development.”

Regarding the Trinamool MLA’s joining, Suvendu Adhikari said, “He joined the BJP to fight against Trinamool’s corruption and misrule. Odisha is right next to Gopiballavpur. The BJP government is there. He is impressed by the good governance of that government. He joined the BJP in the interest of West Bengal’s development.” He further added, “Candidates have been announced. Campaigning is over. Elections begin at dawn. So there is no possibility of him becoming a candidate. He has joined our party unconditionally.”

According to political circles, the Kurmi vote bank is a major factor in Jhargram during the elections. The BJP has fielded Rajesh Mahato from Gopiballavpur, who has long served as the state president of the West Bengal Kurmi Samaj. His long-standing recognition in the Kurmi community is the BJP’s big weapon. On the other hand, Trinamool is banking on Jhargram municipality councilor Ajit Mahato. CPI’s Bikash Saringi and Congress candidate Saurav Roy are also in the fray. The entire district is watching how much the equation of the contest in this constituency might change after the joining of a heavyweight leader like Khagendranath, just hours before the first phase of voting.

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Gopiballavpur

Gopiballavpur is a historic town located in the Jhargram district of West Bengal, India, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. It was once a princely state under the British Raj, ruled by the Gopiballavpur Raj family, who contributed to the region’s architectural and artistic legacy. The town is particularly famous for its terracotta temples, including the Gopinath Temple, which showcase exquisite craftsmanship and reflect the area’s deep religious and historical significance.

Bidhannagar

Bidhannagar, also known as Salt Lake City, is a planned satellite township in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, developed in the 1960s on reclaimed salt marshes to decongest the overcrowded city. Named after Bidhan Chandra Roy, the former Chief Minister who envisioned it, the area was designed with modern infrastructure, sector-based layouts, and extensive greenery. Today, it serves as a major IT and commercial hub, housing numerous corporate offices, educational institutions, and the famous Nicco Park amusement center.

Jhargram

Jhargram is a town in West Bengal, India, known for its historic royal palace and lush natural surroundings. It was once the capital of the Jhargram Raj, a princely estate established by the Manikya dynasty, and the current palace was built in the early 20th century. Today, Jhargram is a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of cultural heritage, tribal art, and eco-tourism in the nearby forests.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a culturally rich state in eastern India, known for its vibrant arts, literature, and history. It was once the center of British India’s colonial administration, with Kolkata serving as the capital until 1911, and played a key role in India’s independence movement. Today, it is famous for its diverse heritage, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the annual Durga Puja festival.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India, founded in 1690 by the British East India Company. It served as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911, leaving a rich colonial architectural legacy. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, literary heritage, and iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.

Odisha

Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient history, once known as Kalinga—a powerful kingdom that famously fought the Kalinga War (261 BCE) against Emperor Ashoka, which led to his conversion to Buddhism. The state is home to magnificent temples, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which highlight its architectural and religious significance. Today, Odisha is celebrated for its classical dance (Odissi), vibrant festivals like Rath Yatra, and traditional crafts, blending a deep historical legacy with living cultural traditions.

India

India is a vast and diverse country in South Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient history dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been home to major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and has seen the rise and fall of powerful empires such as the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal dynasties. Today, India is a vibrant democracy and a global hub for technology, arts, and cuisine.