Kharagpur Sadar, often referred to as 'Mini India' due to its diverse demographic, is gearing up for Phase-1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The constituency features a mix of 38% Bengalis and 30% Telugus, making it a critical battleground for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC's Pradip Sarkar, who previously won the seat in a 2019 by-election with a 23,000-vote margin, is up against veteran BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, who seeks to reclaim his position after a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Local issues such as water supply, employment, and pollution are pivotal in shaping voter sentiment. The recent deletion of over 62,000 names from the electoral rolls has sparked anxiety among residents, especially minorities. As the election date approaches, both parties are intensifying their campaigns, with prominent figures like TMC's Abhishek Banerjee urging voters to consider the development work done by Sarkar compared to Ghosh's tenure. The results will be announced on May 4, 2026, marking a significant moment for this vibrant constituency.