Is Alifa Ahmed the Right Choice for Kaliganj Bypoll?
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Synopsis
The upcoming Kaliganj bypolls see Trinamool Congress nominating Alifa Ahmed, daughter of the late MLA. With local controversies looming, can she secure voter sympathy and support for the ruling party? This election could redefine the political landscape in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Alifa Ahmed is the candidate from Trinamool Congress for Kaliganj.
- The bypolls are set for June 19, with counting on June 23.
- Political tensions are high due to local controversies.
- Over 25,753 jobs have been lost in state-run schools, impacting voter sentiment.
- Security measures include deployment of 20 companies of CAPF.
Kolkata, May 27 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress has revealed that Alifa Ahmed, daughter of the late MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, will contest the upcoming bypolls in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency, located in the Nadia district of West Bengal, scheduled for June 19.
At 38 years of age, Alifa Ahmed is currently an elected member of the Zilla Parishad representing the Trinamool Congress in Nadia. Her nomination comes after her father’s unexpected passing in February, prompting the need for a bypoll.
The Trinamool Congress issued an official statement confirming her candidacy this morning. Political analysts suggest that her selection may be a strategic move to garner sympathy from local voters as the ruling party, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, faces scrutiny over significant controversies, including the loss of over 25,753 jobs in state-run educational institutions and delayed payments of dearness allowances to government employees.
This bypoll represents a critical moment for the Trinamool Congress, while simultaneously posing a challenge for the opposition BJP, which aims to channel public discontent regarding these issues into electoral gains.
On Monday, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal announced that 20 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed for the Kaliganj bypoll, with preparations expected to conclude by next week.
Earlier this month, on May 9, the final electoral roster for Kaliganj was published, showing a reduction of more than 2,000 voters since the 2021 Assembly polls. The updated list, issued following a special summary revision by the CEO, indicates that the total number of voters in Kaliganj stands at 252,670.
The Kaliganj constituency is one of five in four states holding bypolls on June 19. The other constituencies include Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, Ludhiana-West in Punjab, and Nilambur in Kerala.
Vote counting will take place on June 23, with the last date for nominations set for June 2, followed by scrutiny on June 3 and withdrawal of candidatures on June 5.
Point of View
The nomination of Alifa Ahmed by Trinamool Congress signifies a strategic attempt to connect emotionally with the electorate. This bypoll presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the ruling party and the opposition, making it crucial for all stakeholders to engage with the pressing issues at hand.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alifa Ahmed?
Alifa Ahmed is the daughter of the late Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed and is currently an elected member of the Zilla Parishad in Nadia.
When are the Kaliganj bypolls scheduled?
The Kaliganj bypolls are scheduled for June 19.
What are the main issues affecting the bypoll?
Key issues include job losses in state-run schools and delayed payments of dearness allowances to government employees.
How many voters are registered in Kaliganj?
The total number of voters in Kaliganj is 252,670.
What is the significance of this bypoll for Trinamool Congress?
This bypoll is seen as a critical test of the ruling party's popularity amidst various controversies and challenges.
