The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced Rakesh Singh as its candidate for the Kolkata Port assembly seat in West Bengal, following his release on bail from the High Court of Calcutta. This decision comes as the party prepares for the high-stakes elections scheduled for April 29. Singh, who was previously with the West Bengal Congress, was arrested last year for his involvement in a violent incident against Congress workers. The state government opposed his bail, labeling him a 'history sheeter' with numerous criminal cases. The Kolkata Port constituency, historically a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is currently represented by Firhad Hakim, who has held the seat since 2011. The constituency has a significant Muslim population, and all parties except the BJP have nominated Muslim candidates. Singh's candidacy marks a notable shift in the political landscape as the BJP aims to challenge the TMC's dominance in the region.