Kolkata: A section of rebel Trinamool bigwigs is lobbying with the BJP to secure candidacies for their sons, daughters, and loyalists— either on a BJP ticket or as BJP-backed independents — for the upcoming KMC polls, scheduled for late Nov.While National Congress Party of India (NCPI) MPs have publicly called for a broad National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition to contest the KMC polls, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction, which commands the backing of around 50 ex-TMC councillors, has officially declared its intention to contest independently.Sources close to a state BJP functionary conceded that several Trinamool rebels have submitted a list of preferred candidates to the BJP leadership and are now awaiting a response.“We have received a list of rebel Trinamool councillors who were considered influential civic representatives in their respective jurisdictions. The names of successors to prominent Trinamool netas from the dissolved KMC board have also been doing the rounds, as several veteran netas no longer wish to contest the directly,” a senior BJP source revealed.Among those being pushed for nominations are the sons, daughters, and, in one instance, the estranged wife of senior Trinamool rebels.NCPI sources said state BJP leadership held preliminary talks with their MPs, encouraging them to put forward candidates —primarily ex-Trinamool councillors known for their pro-development track records who could sway voters under the BJP banner. Rather than focusing heavily on north and central Kolkata wards, BJP strategists are reportedly more keen on fielding key ex-Trinamool figures across south and southeastern Kolkata. Party insiders suggest at least three fresh faces — all children of former KMC heavyweights — are being considered for prime south Kolkata seats, marking their entry into mainstream electoral politics.However, the nomination process carries political risks. Three influential former councillors under consideration were previously arrested by KP on charges of corruption and intimidation after the BJP came to office. BJP seniors also acknowledge the need to tread carefully when evaluating candidates suggested by the NCPI in north and central Kolkata.“We hold considerable strength in north-central Kolkata. While we may accommodate a few outside names, including a couple of former councillors in north Kolkata, any recommendations by NCPI will undergo strict background scrutiny,” a BJP neta said.To counter potential political backlash and maintain a clean public image, the BJP is also preparing to field civil society figures and respected local professionals, including an actor and a physician in 2 south Kolkata wards.
