BJP English Bazar chairman Amlan Bhaduri was elected to lead the English Bazar Municipality on 7 October 2026. The win follows the defection of 11 Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillors, giving the BJP a clear majority in the urban body.
Key takeaways
- Amlan Bhaduri (BJP) elected chairman of English Bazar Municipality.
- Eleven TMC councillors switched allegiance, tipping the balance.
- The municipality now sits under BJP control alongside Mal Malda Zilla Parishad.
- Shift marks a significant political realignment in Malda district.
Background to the election
English Bazar is the principal urban centre of Malda district in West Bengal. Prior to the recent vote, the municipality had been led by a coalition that included the TMC. The sudden change came after the same party lost control of the Malda Zilla Parishad, the district’s apex rural local body, earlier in the week.
BJP English Bazar gains momentum
The BJP’s ascent in the district is anchored by the defection of 11 TMC councillors, as reported by ETV Bharat. Their shift gave the BJP a comfortable majority in the council, allowing Amlan Bhaduri to be elected chairman without opposition.
Implications for local governance
With both the municipality and the Zilla Parishad now under BJP leadership, the party can coordinate development projects across urban and rural areas. This could accelerate initiatives in infrastructure, sanitation and public health that the BJP has pledged to prioritize.
Political reaction in the district
Local TMC leaders expressed disappointment, noting that the defections undermine the party’s grassroots base. BJP representatives, however, hailed the outcome as a “democratic mandate” reflecting voter confidence in their agenda.
Comparison of control before and after
| Body | Prior controlling party | Current controlling party |
|---|---|---|
| English Bazar Municipality | Trinamool Congress (coalition) | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Malda Zilla Parishad | Trinamool Congress | Bharatiya Janata Party |
What lies ahead for the municipality
Chairman Bhaduri is expected to convene his first council meeting within the next week. Residents can anticipate announcements on budget allocations and upcoming civic projects. Stakeholders are advised to monitor council notices for public consultation opportunities.
FAQ
Who is the new chairman of English Bazar Municipality?
Amlan Bhaduri of the Bharatiya Janata Party was elected chairman on 7 October 2026.
How did the BJP secure a majority in the municipality?
Eleven councillors originally elected on a Trinamool Congress ticket defected to the BJP, giving it a clear majority.
What other local body is now under BJP control in Malda?
The Malda Zilla Parishad, the district’s top rural local body, was also captured by the BJP earlier in the week.
Will this change affect local development projects?
With both urban and rural bodies under the same party, coordinated development initiatives are expected to move faster.
How can residents stay informed about council decisions?
The municipality will publish meeting notices and project details on its official website and local notice boards.
Sources
- MillenniumPost: English Bazar Municipality: BJP’s Amlan Bhaduri elected chairman
- ETV Bharat: After Malda Zilla Parishad, BJP Captures English Bazar Municipality As 11 TMC Councillors Defect
- Urban Acres: English Bazar Municipality Swings to BJP After 11 TMC Councillors Back New Chairperson
- The Statesman: After taking control of Malda Zilla Parishad, BJP captures English Bazar municipality
