9.5% of West Bengal panchayat seats uncontested, down from 34%

Around 9.5% of West Bengal’s panchayat seats have been won uncontested, marking a significant decrease from five years ago, according to nomination data. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) won around 90% of seats in the last round of rural elections in 2018, and is the only party to contest all seats in Birbhum. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting the highest number of opposition party candidates in Purulia and West Midnapore districts. At least eight people died in political clashes across four districts during the nomination period.