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The BJP candidate from the Panihati assembly constituency, Ratna Debnath, whose daughter was a victim of a rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College, has labeled the West Bengal assembly elections as a "battle for justice." Despite the ongoing vote counting, she expressed confidence in the BJP's victory. Speaking to a news outlet, Debnath, who is currently leading by over 56,000 votes in Panihati, stated that her constituency has become a focal point, and the public's support for her daughter will "bloom the lotus across Bengal." She assured that she would continue to fight for her daughter, managing both the legal case and the elections simultaneously.

Debnath emphasized, "My daughter is no longer just mine; the entire world is watching Panihati. My daughter will make the lotus bloom throughout Bengal. This vote is for that purpose. I have said this is a fight for justice. This struggle will not end here; I will fight for life. On the 12th, there is a court hearing at 10 AM. I will participate in both cases. The 2026 West Bengal elections will be remembered for one face: Ratna Debnath." Once an ordinary citizen mourning an unimaginable tragedy, Debnath has now emerged as a formidable leader aiming to dismantle the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) 15-year urban industrial dominance.

Debnath is currently leading by a significant margin of over 56,000 votes in Panihati, a seat that the TMC has held since 2011. This lead represents more than just a single seat victory; it conveys a moral message that has thwarted Mamata Banerjee's attempts for a fourth term. Debnath's transformation from a grieving mother to a political catalyst has altered the election landscape in three distinct ways. By fielding Debnath, the BJP has successfully shifted the election narrative from "Didi vs. Modi" to "Citizen vs. System." Each of her rallies served not only as a platform for policy discussions but also as a reminder of the RG Kar tragedy. Her campaign slogan, "My daughter's tragedy could happen to anyone," resonated in every household in Bengal, turning a local crime into a statewide referendum on women's safety. Standing amidst record-breaking 91.62% voter turnout in the second phase just days before the results, Ratna Debnath sent a strong message to the ruling party. She told reporters that the public is ready to "uproot the TMC," particularly citing the government's alleged indifference towards women's safety.

Debnath remarked, "We only regret that when such incidents occur, our female Chief Minister herself disrespects women." She referenced controversial statements advising women to avoid night shifts or going out late. "This time, Bengal will fight against this. The election campaign in Panihati was a small example of the state's tensions. On voting day, Debnath was reportedly surrounded by TMC workers who harassed and intimidated her, accusing her of "profiting" from her daughter's name.