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IN PHOTOS: Three BJP Rajya Sabha nominees file papers in Bengal; party defends ex-TMC inductees

Updated On: 13 July, 2026 06:43 PM IST | Divya Nair

Three BJP nominees, including former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik, filed nomination papers for the West Bengal Rajya Sabha bypolls. The BJP defended fielding the recent defectors, saying the move reflected a strategic political recalibration rather than a departure from its principles. PICS/PTI

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BJP Rajya Sabha candidates Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (left), Prakash Chik Baraik (centre), and Sushmita Dev file their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-elections at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, in Kolkata, on Monday. PIC/PTI
BJP Rajya Sabha candidates Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (left), Prakash Chik Baraik (centre), and Sushmita Dev file their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-elections at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, in Kolkata, on Monday. PIC/PTI
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BJP Rajya Sabha bypoll candidate Sukhendu Sekhar Ray files his nomination papers in the presence of West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP President Samik Bhattacharya

BJP Rajya Sabha bypoll candidate Sukhendu Sekhar Ray files his nomination papers in the presence of West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP President Samik Bhattacharya

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West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari interacts with BJP Rajya Sabha bypoll candidate Sushmita Dev and party leaders after she filed her nomination papers

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari interacts with BJP Rajya Sabha bypoll candidate Sushmita Dev and party leaders after she filed her nomination papers

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The otherwise routine nominations for the July 24 Rajya Sabha bypolls highlighted a visible shift in the BJP's post-assembly election approach, with the party now selectively accommodating opposition leaders it considers politically valuable instead of adhering to its earlier blanket resistance to former TMC functionaries

The otherwise routine nominations for the July 24 Rajya Sabha bypolls highlighted a visible shift in the BJP's post-assembly election approach, with the party now selectively accommodating opposition leaders it considers politically valuable instead of adhering to its earlier blanket resistance to former TMC functionaries

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The vacancies arose after Ray, Dev, and Baraik resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the TMC following the assembly election. They joined the BJP on July 9 and were named the party's RS nominees within hours, ensuring an immediate parliamentary comeback

The vacancies arose after Ray, Dev, and Baraik resigned from both the Rajya Sabha and the TMC following the assembly election. They joined the BJP on July 9 and were named the party's RS nominees within hours, ensuring an immediate parliamentary comeback

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According to the Election Commission's schedule, nominations can be filed till July 14, scrutiny will take place on July 15, withdrawals are permitted till July 17 and polling, if required, will be held on July 24.

According to the Election Commission's schedule, nominations can be filed till July 14, scrutiny will take place on July 15, withdrawals are permitted till July 17 and polling, if required, will be held on July 24.

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