 "Once again, BJP pins hope on fame; fields Rupa Ganguly")
Ganguly, who played character of Draupadi in television soap, now heads BJP’s women wing in West Bengal. Reports suggest that she preferred a constituency in Kolkata, but succumbed to party pressure and is now representing North Howrah.
From Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini, Manoj Tewari or Babul Supriyo, BJP knows how to garner votes through stardom and this has often turned the table in favour of them.
Strength: Her leadership cannot be questioned, especially after her 10-day march from Kamduni to Kakdwip in February with around 600 participants protesting against the atrocities on women in the state.
Weakness: Currently the seat is held by TMC's Ashoke Ghosh, a popular party in that area.
Key battle: The actor-turned-politician will contest against TMC’s Bengal cricket stalwart Laxmi Ratan Shukla for the seat.