Malda, April 16 -- In a significant boost to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the Assembly elections, two separate defection events were reported from Ratua and Mothabari, underscoring shifting political loyalties in the district.
In Ratua, former panchayat Pradhan Alamgir Sheikh, who had contested the last Panchayat elections as an independent candidate, joined the TMC along with nearly 200 supporters. The induction took place at Baharal under the leadership of TMC candidate Samar Mukherjee. Citing the development initiatives spearheaded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Sheikh said: "The development work across the state inspired us to join TMC. We want to be part of this progress and strongly oppose the conspiracy hatched by BJP." Mukherjee welcomed the new entrants, expressing confidence that "Ratua will once again deliver a decisive mandate in favour of TMC."
Meanwhile, in Mothabari, TMC candidate Mohammad Nazrul Islam conducted an extensive day-long campaign before overseeing another defection event in the evening. Leaders from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), including Mufti Abdul Aziz, Maulana Jahangir Alam, and Maulana Karim, defected to the TMC along with several supporters. Islam stated: "People are recognising TMC as the only party capable of ensuring development and stability. This growing support reflects public trust."
Additionally, an independent panchayat candidate from Bangitola also joined the TMC camp. Islam formally handed over party flags to the newcomers, welcoming them into the fold.
These twin developments are being seen as a morale booster for the ruling party amid an intense poll campaign in Malda.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.