Who is Kalita Majhi? Domestic worker who once earned Rs. 2,500 a month wins Bengal polls on BJP ticket

After losing her maiden contest in 2021, Majhi staged a strong comeback this year, defeating Shyama Prasanna Lohar of the Trinamool Congress by a margin of 12,535 votes.

The 37-year-old secured an impressive 1,07,692 votes in an election that saw the Bharatiya Janata Party capture power in West Bengal for the first time.

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In the 2021 polls, Majhi had lost to Abhedananda Thander by 11,815 votes.

“Grateful for the Trust”

Expressing her happiness after the victory, Majhi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for believing in her.

“I am very happy, and I am grateful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept faith in me. Today, I can gift him this win,” she told The Indian Express.

Outlining her priorities, she said her focus would be on the development of backward classes, improving basic infrastructure, and ensuring welfare.

“My main focus will be to work for the development of the backward classes, and to ensure that proper roads and drinking water reach every household. I will also work for the development of the youth and the safety and security of women,” she said.

Her roots

A resident of Majhpukur Para in Guskara Municipality, Majhi lives with her husband, Subrata Majhi, a plumber, and their son.

She also emphasised the need for implementing central government schemes in the state.

“All of us have the right to have a secure roof over our heads. I will introduce the Prime Minister’s housing scheme and work towards building homes and toilets,” she added.

Social Media Reacts

Her victory sparked widespread reactions on social media, with several leaders and commentators hailing her journey.

BJP MP PC Mohan wrote on X: “BJP Bengal candidate Kalita Majhi, who works as a domestic worker in four households and earns ₹2,500 a month, wins from the Ausgram constituency. This is the power of the BJP, where even the most humble citizen can rise and script an inspiring journey.”

BJP leader Shashi Kumar said: “This is BJP’s idea of women empowerment where a woman can write her own destiny despite being from a humble background.”

Journalist Rahul Shivshankar also reacted, highlighting her journey from hardship to political success.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Tejinder Pal Singh Bagga praised her victory, calling it a testament to determination and opportunity.