The Battle for Tollygunj Assembly Seat: BJP and Leftists Ready to Breach the Fort of Aroop Biswas, Unbeaten for 20 Years

Tollygunj (West Bengal): Among the seats that draw everyone’s attention in West Bengal politics, Tollygunj is at the forefront. For the last two decades, Trinamool Congress heavyweight and cabinet minister Aroop Biswas has held a one-man rule here. However, the battle for the Tollygunj assembly seat in the 2026 election could prove to be the toughest contest yet. This time, a three-way fight has emerged between four-time TMC MLA Aroop Biswas, BJP candidate and actress Papia Adhikari, and CPI(M)’s Partha Pratim Biswas.

Aroop Biswas’ Political Journey and 2021 Victory

Aroop Biswas has served as the Power and Housing Minister in the West Bengal government. In 2006, he surprised everyone by defeating veteran leader Pankaj Banerjee, and since then, he has been continuously elected from here in 2011, 2016, and 2021. In the 2021 election, the battle for the Tollygunj assembly seat was one-sided, with Aroop Biswas defeating BJP’s Babul Supriyo by a margin of over 50,000 votes. However, in 2016, the Leftists gave him a tough fight, showing that the opposition is not weak here.

Lionel Messi Event Controversy and Resignation

Between 2021 and 2026, Aroop Biswas’s reputation has seen a slight decline. In December 2025, after mismanagement during an event featuring Argentine footballer Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, he had to resign from the post of Sports Minister. The logistical failures and crowd management issues at this event sparked a major political controversy. The battle for the Tollygunj assembly seat is now being fought amid this controversy and claims of an “impartial investigation,” which could impact voter sentiment.

According to election analysts, allegations of names being removed from voter rolls and opposition unity could pose challenges for Aroop Biswas. The alliance between the BJP and AIADMK is likely to prevent the division of opposition votes.

Key Aspects of the Election:

Voting in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

Counting of votes and declaration of results will occur on May 4.

Aroop Biswas faces the threat of anti-incumbency.

The clash between actress Papia Adhikari’s glamour and the BJP’s organizational strength.

Main Challenges and Equations:

Public discontent following the Messi event controversy.

A strong showing by the Leftists, similar to 2016, could again damage the TMC.

New voter rolls and opposition alliance strategy.

According to a ground report, the battle for the Tollygunj assembly seat this time is not just about retaining the seat, but for Aroop Biswas to prove his political credibility. It will be interesting to see whether voters in this prestigious area of Kolkata embrace change or uphold tradition.

Tollygunj

Tollygunj is a neighborhood in South Kolkata, India, known for its historic tram depot and as a hub for the Bengali film industry, often called “Tollywood.” The area’s name is derived from the Tolly’s Nullah canal, dug in the 18th century by British engineer Major William Tolly to connect the Hooghly River with the Bidyadhari River. Over time, it evolved from a swampy region into a residential and cultural center, particularly famous for the Tollygunj Club, a prestigious social and golf club established in 1895.

Salt Lake Stadium

Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Kolkata, India. Inaugurated in 1984, it was once the largest stadium in the world by seating capacity, capable of holding over 120,000 spectators, though renovations have since reduced its capacity. It serves as the home ground for major local football clubs and has hosted numerous international matches and cultural events, reflecting its significance in Indian sports history.

Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city in eastern India known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial history. Founded in 1690 by the British East India Company, it served as the capital of British India until 1911 and was a major center for trade, education, and the Indian independence movement. Today, it is famous for its artistic traditions, festivals like Durga Puja, and landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.