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Key Points

The Kaliganj bypoll is shaping up to be a tight contest with significant political maneuverings. The Left Front, in a strategic move, has decided to back Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, indicating a rare collaborative effort against common rival, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The TMC has already named Alifa Ahmed, daughter of former legislator Nasiruddin Ahmed, as their candidate. As the BJP is yet to announce its candidate, the political atmosphere is charged, with voting set for June 19.

Key Points: Kaliganj Bypoll Sees Contest as Left Front Backs Congress

  • Congress names Kabil Uddin Shaikh for Kaliganj bypoll
  • Left Front supports Congress against TMC's Alifa Ahmed
  • BJP's candidate announcement pending for Kaliganj
2 min read

West Bengal bypoll: Three-way contest in Kaliganj as Left Front backs Congress candidate

Kaliganj bypoll heats up as Left Front supports Congress against TMC's Alifa Ahmed.

"The Left Front allies met and unanimously decided to support Shaikh’s candidature. - CPI(M) Leader"

Kolkata, May 31

The bypoll for the Kaliganj Assembly constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal is headed for a three-cornered contest, with the CPI(M)-led Left Front deciding to support the Congress candidate for the June 19 election.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Friday evening announced Kabil Uddin Shaikh as its candidate for the bypoll. A senior CPI(M) leader from the party’s state committee said that soon after the announcement, the Left Front allies met and unanimously decided to support Shaikh’s candidature.

Although the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a constituent of the Left Front, had initially expressed a desire to field its own candidate, Left Front chairman and veteran CPI(M) leader Biman Bose convinced the RSP representative at the meeting to support the Congress nominee.

The BJP is yet to announce its candidate for the seat.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had earlier, on May 27, named Alifa Ahmed as its candidate for the bypoll.

Alifa Ahmed, 38, is the daughter of former TMC legislator from Kaliganj, the late Nasiruddin Ahmed, whose sudden death in February this year necessitated the by-election.

Kaliganj is one of five assembly constituencies across four states going to the polls on June 19. The others are Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Nilambur in Kerala.

Counting of votes will take place on June 23.

The last date for filing nominations is June 2. Scrutiny will be conducted on June 3, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 5.

Earlier this week, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, announced that 20 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) will be deployed in Kaliganj for the bypoll, with the deployment expected to be completed by next week.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Interesting alliance between Congress and Left Front! This could actually make the contest competitive against TMC. But will voters accept this last-minute coalition? BJP's absence in candidate announcement is surprising though.
P
Priya M.
TMC has strong emotional advantage with late MLA's daughter contesting. But 20 CAPF companies deployment shows how sensitive this election is! Hope it remains peaceful 🤞
A
Amit K.
Left supporting Congress shows how desperate they've become in Bengal politics. This alliance might just split anti-TMC votes further. BJP should announce strong candidate soon to capitalize.
S
Sneha R.
Why do we always see dynastic politics? TMC candidate is MLA's daughter, Congress candidate is established politician. Where are fresh faces? 🤔 This is why youth feel disconnected from politics.
D
Deepak S.
Good to see opposition parties coming together against TMC's dominance. But they should have planned this alliance much earlier and worked on grassroots level. Last-minute adjustments rarely work in Bengal politics.
M
Meena T.
Hope the CAPF deployment ensures free and fair elections. Last time there were many complaints of voter intimidation. Democracy only works when everyone can vote without fear. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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