India, July 13 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed nomination papers for its three candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections from West Bengal. Former Trinamool Congress leaders Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik submitted their nominations ahead of the July 24 polls.

The three leaders had joined the BJP last week after resigning from the Trinamool Congress and were immediately named as the party's candidates for the bypolls. Their induction is being seen as a significant political development ahead of the Upper House elections.

The by-elections were necessitated after the three former Rajya Sabha members vacated their seats. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for July 24, with the last d...