Mal election result 2026: BJP's Sukra Munda defeated TMC's Bulu Chik Baraik by 15,492 votes

In West Bengal's Mal (ST) seat, BJP's Sukra Munda (1,12,095 votes) won against TMC's Bulu Chik Baraik (96,603 votes) by 15,492 votesMal (ST) is a Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituency in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, situated in the northern part of the Dooars region with a significant tribal population. In 2026, the candidates include Bulu Chik Baraik of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Sukra Munda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Rakesh Kujur of the Congress.In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the constituency was won by Khageswar Roy of the BJP, who defeated his nearest rival from the TMC by a margin of around 20,000 votes. The victory highlighted the BJP's growing support among tribal voters in the Dooars region.Agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and tea garden employment form the backbone of the local economy. Key issues centre on development, livelihoods, and social welfare. Tribal communities frequently raise concerns about access to government schemes, land and forest rights, and economic stability. Tea garden workers and farmers emphasise wage security, irrigation support, and crop pricing.The constituency went to polls on April 23, as part of Phase 1. Jalpaiguri district recorded a voter turnout of 94.76%.