EC rejects TMC nomination to renew contract with government

Krishna Nagar (Nadia): The Election Commission has canceled the nomination of Abhinav Bhattacharya, the Trinamool Congress candidate for Krishna Nagar North in Nadia district, citing conflict of interest, the first such rejection involving a recognized party candidate in the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, Ashis Poddar reported. The poll panel cited Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which disqualifies any person who has a valid contract with the government for supply of goods or execution of works. Sources said the Election Commission found that Bhattacharya’s business dealings with the state government constituted a conflict of interest, invalidating his candidacy. The TMC anticipated this possibility and approached another candidate, Somnath Dutta, to file nomination. He will now contest as TMC nominee. Bhattacharya called the development “unfortunate” but said he would abide by the party’s decision.