The Maniktala by-election has turned into one of the most high-profile battles in West Bengal’s current political circuit. The contest is set between BJP’s veteran leader Tapas Roy and TMC’s debutant Shreya Pande, daughter of the late legendary leader Sadhan Pande. For the first time, Tapas Roy, who spent decades in North Kolkata politics, is challenging the legacy of his former colleague in a territory he knows like the back of his hand.

For Shreya Pande, the battle is deeply personal. She is carrying forward the political mantle of her father, Sadhan Pande, who represented Maniktala for several terms and shared an unbreakable bond with the local residents. The Trinamool Congress is heavily banking on this emotional connect and the developmental work done by the Mamata Banerjee government. Shreya’s campaign revolves around being the “daughter of Maniktala” who understands the pulse of her people.

On the other hand, Tapas Roy is a seasoned campaigner who knows every nook and corner of this constituency. His “weapon” in this election is his vast organizational experience and his ability to mobilize voters on ground-level issues. The BJP is planning to counter the TMC’s legacy card by highlighting issues of local administration and the state government’s recent controversies. As the “Mega Fight” intensifies, the question remains: will the people of Maniktala choose the emotional legacy of the Pande family or the seasoned leadership of Tapas Roy?