The political temperature in the 56-Dharmanagar assembly constituency is rising as candidates from major parties filed their nomination papers on Monday, marking the formal start of the by-election campaign. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress showcased their organizational strength with large, colorful processions in Dharmanagar city.

BJP candidate Jawaha Chakraborty reached the office of the Returning Officer in a grand procession from the party office in Padmapur. The rally, attended by a massive crowd of party workers and supporters, was described by party sources as significantly larger than the processions of other parties. Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharya and several senior BJP leaders were present to lend support. Chakraborty, who had previously contested the seat in 2013 but was defeated, has been entrusted again by the party, signaling BJP’s intent to reclaim the constituency.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate Chayan Bhattacharya also made a strong showing by submitting his nomination papers through an equally impressive procession that began from the Dharmanagar District Congress Bhavan. The rally traversed major city roads, adorned with flags, banners, and party slogans, before reaching the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office where he filed his nomination with Returning Officer Debjani Chowdhury. 

Expressing confidence in his prospects, Bhattacharya stated that the people of Dharmanagar would support Congress in ensuring regional development and protecting citizens’ rights.

Political analysts note that the scale and enthusiasm of both parties’ processions reflect a highly competitive by-election, with the CPI(M) expected to mount a strong challenge as well. Dharmanagar, the headquarters of Uttar district, is abuzz with excitement as local supporters await the upcoming contest, where public support on the ground could play a decisive role in determining the outcome.