The intense tug-of-war within the BJP over the Kharagpur Sadar constituency has finally concluded with Dilip Ghosh emerging victorious. In its latest candidate list, the BJP has replaced the sitting MLA and actor Hiran Chatterjee with former state president Dilip Ghosh. This decision marks a significant “homecoming” for Ghosh, who has been increasingly active in the Kharagpur region following his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Hiran Chatterjee had won this seat on a BJP ticket in 2021, but his tenure was marked by frequent reports of friction with local party cadres and Dilip Ghosh’s loyalists. Despite Hiran’s confidence in securing a re-nomination, the BJP central leadership chose to bank on Dilip Ghosh’s organizational strength and his deep roots in Kharagpur’s soil. Ghosh had famously started his legislative journey from this very seat.

Political observers suggest that by choosing Dilip Ghosh over Hiran, the BJP aims to consolidate its core voter base in a region that was once considered Ghosh’s fortress. The move is also seen as a rehabilitation of the veteran leader within the party hierarchy. However, all eyes are now on Hiran Chatterjee—whether he will campaign for Ghosh or if this decision will trigger a fresh wave of discontent within the local unit of the party.