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Tollygunj's Triangular Fight: Can Aroop Biswas Survive Messi Controversy?

Tollygunj Assembly constituency is witnessing its sharpest contest in years with a triangular fight between four-time TMC minister Aroop Biswas, BJP's Papiya Adhikari, and CPI(M)'s Partha Pratim Biswas. Biswas's political stature has been impacted by his resignation as Sports Minister following the mismanaged Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The election will test whether his previously commanding lead can survive this controversy, voter roll issues, and a united opposition. West Bengal votes in two phases, with results due on May 4.

Key Points: Tollygunj Assembly Polls: Triangular Fight for Aroop Biswas

  • Triangular contest in Tollygunj
  • Aroop Biswas seeks 5th term
  • Impact of Messi event controversy
  • Erosion of incumbent's stature
  • Key phase of Bengal polls
2 min read

West Bengal Assembly Polls: Aroop Biswas seeks 5th term in triangular fight in Tollygunj

TMC minister Aroop Biswas faces a tough triangular contest in Tollygunj amid the Messi event controversy and revised electoral rolls. Key analysis.

"ensuring an 'unbiased investigation' - Aroop Biswas"

Tollygunj, April 19

Tollygunj Assembly constituency, for two decades the unchallenged political fortress of TMC heavyweight and cabinet minister Aroop Biswas, is heading into the polls amid its sharpest electoral contest in years, as SIR electoral rolls could helm the ship towards opposition.

Tollygunj Assembly constituency is set to see a triangular contest between four-time MLA and minister Aroop Biswas of the TMC, BJP's candidate actor Papiya Adhikari, and CPI(M) candidate Partha Pratim Biswas.

Aroop Biswas is an Indian politician who has served as minister for Power and Housing in the Government of West Bengal. He has been elected from Tollygunj in the 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections.

His trajectory in the constituency began in 2006, when Biswas defeated Pankaj Banerjee, a prominent veteran leader, in what was widely seen as a major development. He has held it ever since.

In the 2016 West Bengal Assembly Elections, Biswas received 90,603 votes to defeat CPI(M)'s Madhuja Sen Roy, who received 80,707, a margin of under 10,000 votes that showed the Left was still capable of mounting a fight here.

The 2021 result was far more emphatic. Biswas received 1,01,440 votes to defeat BJP candidate Babul Supriyo, who received 51,360 votes.

However, the period between 2021 and 2026 has eroded some of that stature. In December 2025, Aroop Biswas resigned from his post as Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs following criticism over alleged mismanagement of an event featuring Argentine footballer Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

The event witnessed logistical failures and crowd management issues, leading to public and political backlash. In his resignation letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Biswas stated that his decision was aimed at ensuring an "unbiased investigation" into the matter.

Whether Biswas's commanding position survives a campaign environment defined by voter roll deletions, the Messi controversy and a united opposition of AIADMK and BJP will be among the more closely watched verdicts.

West Bengal votes in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Interesting to see a celebrity candidate from BJP. But Tollygunj needs a grounded MLA who understands local issues like housing and power, which are Biswas's portfolios. A film star jumping into politics often lacks that connection. Let's see if the 'star power' works here.
R
Rahul R
The real issue is the voter roll deletions mentioned. If genuine voters are removed, it undermines the whole democratic process. EC needs to ensure a fair roll. The fight is secondary if the foundation is shaky. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Watching from abroad. The resignation over the Messi event shows some sense of responsibility, which is rare in politics globally. But 20 years is a long time for one person to hold a seat. Maybe time for a change to bring fresh ideas?
A
Ananya R
As a resident of South Kolkata, development here has been good under him. Roads, parks, infrastructure. But yes, the recent controversy was embarrassing for our city on a global stage. Hope he has learned from it. The triangular fight will be a test of his real popularity.
K
Karthik V
CPI(M) candidate shouldn't be counted out. The 2016 margin was under 10,000 votes. If anti-incumbency against TMC and anti-BJP sentiment both work, there could be a surprise. Bengal politics is always full of surprises! 🤔

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