Will BJP’s Swapan Majumder, Drug Smuggling Case Convict Win Barasat?

Swapan Majumder is fielded as the BJP candidate from the Barasat constituency. Swapan was elected as a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Bangaon Dakshin constituency. He defeated Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Alo Rani Sarkar in the 2021 assembly election by around 2000 votes. 

However, the nomination of the BJP candidate has stirred controversy in the state. Majumder’s alleged involvement in an international drug smuggling ring and subsequent arrest has displeased many of the BJP party workers. A political row erupted in the state after a complaint was lodged with the Election Commission alleging that Swapan Majumder was convicted by a court in Assam in 2018 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. 

Majumder in his affidavit has mentioned that he was convicted in the NDPS Act. “I am a BJP worker. But that doesn’t mean that I will close my eyes even after seeing that something wrong is happening? The candidate should be changed. Candidates are often changed. It has happened earlier too,” Biswas told reporters.

However, the poll panel in Kolkata has refused to comment on the developments. In the affidavit, it was also stated that the BJP candidate was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Soon after the allegation popped up, posters came up against Majumder and some BJP workers also went on social media to voice their objections against Majumder. 

The polling in the Barasat constituency will be held on June 1. The process of filing nomination will begin on April 29.