In the West Bengal Assembly elections, results declared after polling saw several high-profile candidates from the entertainment world experience sharply contrasting fortunes across constituencies in Howrah, Nadia and North 24 Parganas.
Among the biggest surprises was actor Rudranil Ghosh, who secured victory as a BJP candidate from Shibpur in Howrah by around 16,000 votes, underlining a strong showing in the constituency.
Actor Hiran Chatterjee also emerged successful, defeating the Trinamool Congress candidate in Shyampur, Howrah, by a margin exceeding 22,000 votes.
However, the outcome proved disappointing for others. Soham Chakraborty of the Trinamool Congress lost in Karimpur, Nadia, despite leading in the early stages of counting, eventually trailing by roughly 10,000 votes. Sayantika Banerjee faced a significant setback in Baranagar, where the actress, who had previously won a by-election, was defeated by a wide margin.
The most talked-about episode unfolded in Barrackpore, where Trinamool Congress candidate and producer Raj Chakraborty suffered defeat to BJP candidate Kaustubh Bagchi, marking his second electoral loss.
Tensions were reported outside the counting centre on the day results were announced. Eyewitnesses alleged that protesters threw mud at Chakraborty and shouted slogans of “thief” as he left the area accompanied by security personnel without responding.
Security staff were later seen cleaning mud from his clothes. He did not comment when approached by reporters.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion both within political circles and on social media. Chakraborty has not made a public statement. His wife, actor Subhashree Ganguly, posted a message online describing him as a “superhero” and the “pride” of the family in a show of support.
Overall, the election delivered mixed outcomes for celebrity candidates, with some consolidating their position while others encountered electoral setbacks.
