Ratna Debnath Panihati Election Results 2026: What's the latest update about RG Kar's victim mother's seat?

Ratna Debnath, BJP candidate and mother of the RG Kar rape victim, is leading in the Panihati assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas, according to early counting trends. The seat has become one of the most closely watched contests in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with results still evolving across the state.

Ratna Panihati sees close fight between BJP and TMC

Panihati has witnessed a direct contest between Debnath and Trinamool Congress candidate Tirthankar Ghosh, who is the son of a five-time sitting MLA. The constituency falls under the Dumdum Lok Sabha seat and includes wards 1–14, 16, 17 and 22 of Panihati Municipality.

Both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress carried out extensive campaigning in the constituency, making it a key battleground in the election.

Ratna Panihati campaign centred on women’s safety

Ratna Debnath has built her campaign around her daughter’s memory and concerns over women’s safety. Debnath had earlier stated, "I chose to fight in this election for my daughter and for women whose security is under threat under the TMC government. Mamata Banerjee and her corrupt party leaders are responsible for my daughter's death. People welcome me when I reach out for votes and assure me of their support. I lost my daughter, but I want to serve the people and help them. I may not be a doctor like her, but as a representative, I want to continue her mission."

Why Panihati is under focus

Panihati has emerged as a constituency where issues of governance, accountability and women’s safety are central to the contest. The outcome is being closely tracked as counting continues.

Elsewhere in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading ahead of BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari.

According to Election Commission trends, the Bharatiya Janata Party is leading on 121 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead on 71 seats. Its ally BGPM is leading on one seat.

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since independence. Phase-II saw 91.66% polling, while Phase-I recorded 93.19%, taking the combined turnout to 92.47%.