Who is Indira Santra? Chemical engineer who decided to take on TMC in Bengal panchayat elections

The results of the West Bengal Panchayat elections have been released. The TMC won the violence-ridden elections, while the BJP made significant gains in the state. Though the BJP increased its seats significantly in the elections, one thing that stands out is that the party fielded well-educated candidates in many seats. Indira Santra is one of those candidates.

Who is Indira Santra?

Indira Santra is the winning BJP candidate from a Panchayat constituency in Singur. He was born on 7 February 1989 in Telipukur village of Singur. His father’s name is Balai Chandra Santra and he is a farmer. A chemical engineer by profession, he quit his job to contest high-profile rural elections challenging TMC’s might and even win the seat for the BJP. “BJP’s Indira Santra, who defeated TMC to win a panchayat constituency in Singur, is a former employee of Oxytona, a Bengaluru-based company. Three months back, she moved to her home town to contest the elections. She is a B.Tech in chemical engineering ,” the BJP said in a tweet.

cre trending stories

BJP’s Indira Santra, who defeated TMC to win a panchayat constituency in Singur, is a former employee of Bengaluru-based company Oxytona. Three months ago, she left for her hometown to contest elections. He is B.Tech in Chemical Engineering.

Many many congratulations to him… pic.twitter.com/Xeim4hCmvz

– BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) 12 July 2023

Education of Indira Santra

Indira Santra obtained her B.Sc in Chemistry from Bijoy Krishna Girls’ College, Howrah and then did her B.Tech in Chemical Technology (specialization in Petrochemicals and Petroleum Refinery Engineering) from the University College of Science Technology and Agriculture, University of Calcutta.

Professional Journey of Indira Santra

Indira Santra started her career as a Graduate Engineering Trainee in a Gujarat based company and then as Quality Control Executive in Haldirams, Technical Executive in BioNaturala, Lab In-Charge in Akshar Exim before joining Oxytona as Deputy Manager Work done. He also worked as a proposal engineer at Metcon Water Systems. He had left his job three months ago to contest the panchayat elections.

Inspiration behind joining politics, ISRO connection

Speaking exclusively to Zee News Digital, India Santra revealed when she was forced to move out of Bengal in search of jobs as there was a lack of industries and opportunities in her state. She shared, “During my first job in Gujarat, I was impressed by the work done by the BJP government there and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wanted such development in my state. Seeing the development, I became a BJP supporter.”

Although Santra continued with his job, he never thought of joining politics. However, it was his interaction with his former boss as well as an ISRO scientist that inspired him to enter politics. “During one of my conversations with Manoj Nair, the chief of Oxitona, he suggested that educated youth should take up a career in politics to bring about a better change in the society. Also, once I met a senior ISRO scientist who I am from Bengal. He also encouraged me for this. Do constructive politics. Since then, it was in my heart. When during Panchayat elections, I heard that BJP was looking for a good candidate, I proposed my name, He told Zee Media.

plan for his ward

Indira Santra lamented the lack of development in her village. She was also troubled by the electoral malpractices allegedly committed by Trinamool Congress workers. He accused the State Election Commission of joining hands with the TMC government. “There are many people in the village who don’t have any proper house. I will help them to get a good house under PM Awas Yojana. Then there are many elders who haven’t got old age or widow pension yet, I will get that done too.” Many houses do not have the facility of drinking water. These are some of the first priorities. But I am afraid whether the TMC winners in the panchayat samiti will let me work or not as I am the only winning BJP candidate here,” Santra said.

Indira Santra said that although she may face obstacles, she is determined to work to help the people of her village get basic amenities.