Why is ex-Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick Changing His Assembly Seat?
Synopsis
Kolkata's political scene heats up as former minister Jyotipriya Mallick, embroiled in PDS scam allegations, hints at contesting from a different Assembly seat. With past electoral struggles and BJP's rising influence, what does this mean for his political future? Dive into the details of this evolving story.
Key Takeaways
Jyotipriya Mallick is seeking to change his Assembly constituency in the upcoming elections.
He is currently facing allegations in the PDS irregularities case .
Mallick has previously won elections from both Gaighata and Habra .
The BJP has gained significant ground in Habra, leading in recent elections.
Political analysts suggest his move may be a strategic attempt to avoid defeat.
Kolkata, Feb 2 (NationPress) Jyotipriya Mallick, a notable former member of the West Bengal cabinet and currently facing allegations in the PDS irregularities case, has expressed his intention to run for a different Assembly seat after being released from jail, where he was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Mallick represents the Trinamool Congress from the Habra constituency in the North 24 Parganas district, where he has secured victory for three consecutive terms in the years 2011, 2016, and 2021. Before this, he served as a Trinamool Congress member from the neighboring Gaighata constituency in both 2001 and 2006.
On Monday, while voicing his desire to contest from another Assembly seat in the upcoming elections, Mallick pointed out that changing constituencies is not a new occurrence for him.
“Given the prevailing circumstances, I transitioned from Gaighata to Habra. Now, once again, due to the demands of the times, I may need to shift from Habra to another Assembly constituency,” Mallick stated.
Political analysts believe that Mallick’s inclination to change constituencies stems from the election outcomes in Habra over the past three elections, including the Lok Sabha elections of 2019 and 2024, as well as the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
In the 2021 elections, Mallick won from Habra, which is one of the seven Assembly constituencies under the Barasat Lok Sabha constituency, but his victory came with a precarious margin of only 3,841 votes.
However, the electoral landscape in Habra shifted significantly in both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, the constituency favored the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, giving them a lead of 20,000 votes in the Barasat Lok Sabha elections. In the 2024 elections, the BJP candidate maintained a similar lead from Habra, trailing by a margin of just under 20,000 votes.
BJP state committee member Tapas Mitra criticized Mallick’s implicit wish to avoid contesting from Habra, suggesting that the former state minister for food and supplies, and later for forests, is seeking an escape route ahead of what appears to be an impending defeat.
“Regardless of where he chooses to contest, the electorate will reject him. No voters will support a leader implicated in ration distribution corruption. The Trinamool Congress's exit from power appears inevitable this time,” Mitra commented.
Point of View
The evolving situation surrounding Jyotipriya Mallick presents a significant case study in West Bengal's political dynamics. His potential shift in constituency reflects both personal strategy and broader party considerations in a rapidly changing electoral landscape. As the Trinamool Congress navigates rising challenges, Mallick's actions may signal critical shifts in voter sentiment that warrant close observation.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jyotipriya Mallick want to change his constituency?
Mallick aims to contest from a different Assembly seat due to the shifting political dynamics and recent electoral results in Habra, where he won by a slim margin.
What are the allegations against Jyotipriya Mallick?
He is accused in the Public Distribution System (PDS) irregularities case, which has raised questions about his political future.
How has the BJP performed in Habra during recent elections?
The BJP has shown significant strength in Habra, leading in both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicating a shift in voter preferences.
What impact could Mallick's constituency change have on the upcoming elections?
His decision to change constituencies may be a strategic move to avoid a potential defeat, reflecting the changing political landscape in West Bengal.
What does this situation indicate about the Trinamool Congress?
Mallick's situation highlights the challenges facing the Trinamool Congress as they grapple with loss of support and increasing competition from the BJP.
