Panihati Election Results 2026 LIVE: RG Kar Victim’s Mother Ratna Debnath Leads
: The Panihati Assembly constituency in West Bengal has emerged as one of the most closely watched seats in the 2026 elections, with BJP candidate Ratna Debnath — mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim — taking a significant early lead.
According to latest trends, Debnath is ahead of Tirthankar Ghosh of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by a margin of over 5,000 votes as counting progresses.
The Panihati seat in North 24 Parganas has drawn intense public and political attention due to the emotional weight of Debnath’s candidature. She entered the electoral fray on a BJP ticket following the 2024 RG Kar case, which triggered nationwide outrage and protests over women’s safety.
Her campaign has largely centred on justice, accountability, and law-and-order issues, positioning her as a symbol of resistance against the ruling TMC government.
Panihati has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress, but early trends suggest a potential shift in voter sentiment. The contest between Debnath and Ghosh — son of a veteran TMC leader — has turned into one of the most high-profile battles in the state.
Initial counting rounds showed Debnath leading from the outset, with BJP workers celebrating early gains. The constituency is undergoing 13 rounds of counting, and trends may evolve as more data comes in.
Statewide, the BJP is showing strong performance in early trends, intensifying the stakes of key constituencies like Panihati. The final outcome, however, will depend on the completion of counting across all rounds.
