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On March 19, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stamped on its opposition to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) by publishing its second list of election contestants in the upcoming general election in West Bengal. This adds 255 declared candidates to the overall list of the party of 294 seats announced earlier in the month (there were 144 on the first list).

Notable candidates are Rekha Patra, the main figure of the Sandeshkhali agitation, who is the candidate fielded by Hingalganj (SC); Roopa Ganguly, former Rajya Sabha MP and actress fielded by Sonarpur Dakshin; ex-Union Minister Nisith Pramanik of Mathabhanga (SC); former MP Arjun Singh of Noapara; and others, including Koustav Bagchi of Barrackpore and Priyanka Tibrewal of Entally.

The list combines experienced leaders, crossovers, and new faces to enhance the holding of the BJP in strategic districts. As the polls will come in two installments on April 23 and 29 and the votes will be counted on May 4, the announcement intensifies the rough and tumble over TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's party.