North 24 Parganas: In a significant political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Abhaya’s mother, who has been at the forefront of a sustained fight for justice for her daughter, may enter the electoral fray as a BJP candidate from the Panihati constituency, sources close to the family told the media.

Sources close to the family of the late doctor, who was associated with RG Kar Hospital, indicate that she is likely to file her nomination from Panihati on a BJP ticket. The development comes just hours before the BJP is expected to announce its second list of candidates.

Abhaya’s parents have been persistently demanding justice following their daughter’s death, but have repeatedly expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case. Their prolonged protest has drawn public attention across the state.

Fueling speculation about a political entry, senior BJP leader and former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh recently visited the family’s residence.

While he maintained that the visit was purely to check on their well-being, he held an extended discussion with Abhaya’s parents. Neither side disclosed details of the conversation.

The Panihati constituency is already witnessing a multi-cornered contest. The Trinamool Congress has fielded Tirthankar Ghosh, son of veteran leader Nirmal Ghosh, who has represented the seat five times. In the 2021 Assembly election, Nirmal Ghosh won the seat with a margin of nearly 25,000 votes.

Tirthankar Ghosh has already kick-started his campaign, beginning with prayers at the Chaitanya Dev Temple on the banks of the Ganges. Expressing confidence, he said he is personally reaching out to voters and believes the constituency will continue to support the Trinamool Congress.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has nominated Kalatan Dasgupta, a prominent face of the RG Kar Hospital protest movement, adding another dimension to the contest.

If Abhaya’s mother is officially fielded by the BJP, her candidature is expected to significantly influence the political dynamics in Panihati, turning the constituency into a high-stakes battleground.