The Future Ai

Matigara-Naxalbari (SC) is a Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, including semi-urban areas near Siliguri as well as rural villages in the Naxalbari and Matigara regions. In 2026, the candidates include Sankar Malakar of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Anandamay Barman of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Amitava Sarkar of the Congress.In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the constituency was won by Anandamoy Barman of the BJP, who defeated his nearest rival from the TMC by a margin of around 15,000 votes. The victory highlighted BJP’s influence in semi-urban constituencies of north Bengal.The economy is a mix of agriculture, small businesses, trade, and services, with tea gardens and horticulture forming a significant part of local livelihoods. Being close to Siliguri, the constituency experiences a blend of urban development pressures and rural concerns. Key issues revolve around infrastructure, employment, and agriculture. Residents demand improved road connectivity, better drainage systems, reliable electricity, and access to safe drinking water. Farmers and tea garden workers frequently raise concerns about crop prices, irrigation, wage security, and employment stability.The constituency went to polls on April 23, as part of Phase 1. Darjeeling district recorded a voter turnout of 88.98%.