Is Trinamool Candidate Leading in Kaliganj Assembly Bypolls?
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Synopsis
As the counting progresses in Kaliganj, the lead of Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed over her rival Kabil Uddin Shaikh raises the stakes in this crucial bypoll, stemming from the untimely passing of her father. What does this mean for the political landscape in West Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- Alifa Ahmed is currently leading in the Kaliganj Assembly bypolls.
- The bypoll was triggered by the passing of former legislator Nasiruddin Ahmed.
- Counting began at 8 a.m. and is taking place under high security.
- The result is expected to be announced by 12:30 p.m.
- Kaliganj is one of five constituencies holding bypolls this month.
Kolkata, June 23 (NationPress) The counting process for the Kaliganj Assembly constituency in the Nadia district of West Bengal is currently in progress, following the voting that occurred on June 19. Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed is leading against her closest rival, Kabil Uddin Shaikh, who is backed by the Left Front and is trailing by a margin of 2,715 votes after the initial round of counting.
Currently, the BJP candidate Ashish Ghosh holds the third position.
The counting commenced at 8 a.m. on Monday at the Panighata High School counting center, starting with the postal ballots. As of the time this report was submitted, the postal ballot counting was still in progress.
This counting is taking place under stringent three-tier security measures, with only Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel present in the innermost security zone, which is situated within the two counting halls.
Each hall is equipped with eight counting tables, and it is anticipated that the counting process will conclude and results will be declared by 12:30 p.m., encompassing a total of 23 counting rounds.
No individuals are permitted to enter the counting center with mobile devices or cameras. Only election observers and returning officers are allowed to retain mobile phones within the counting premises.
The bypoll for the Kaliganj Assembly was necessitated due to the unexpected passing of the former Trinamool Congress legislator, Nasiruddin Ahmed, in February of this year at the age of 70. Alifa Ahmed is his daughter, contesting for this seat.
Nasiruddin Ahmed first won the Kaliganj seat in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which heralded the end of the 34-year Left Front governance in the state and marked the onset of the rule under Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.
However, he faced defeat in the 2016 elections against Congress’ Hasanuzzaman Seikh. After a five-year absence from power, he was re-elected in 2021.
Kaliganj is one of five Assembly constituencies across four states that held bypolls on June 19, alongside Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, Ludhiana-West in Punjab, and Nilambur in Kerala.
Point of View
The ongoing counting in Kaliganj reflects not just a local electoral battle but also the broader political narratives at play in West Bengal. As we witness Trinamool Congress's Alifa Ahmed potentially securing a victory, the implications for the state's governance and political dynamics are critical. This bypoll is a litmus test for parties in the region amidst changing voter sentiments.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Kaliganj Assembly counting?
As of now, Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed is leading against Kabil Uddin Shaikh by 2,715 votes, with counting still in progress.
Why was the Kaliganj bypoll held?
The bypoll was necessitated due to the sudden demise of the former legislator, Nasiruddin Ahmed, in February.
When did the counting for the Kaliganj Assembly start?
The counting began at 8 a.m. at the Panighata High School counting center.
What security measures are in place during the counting?
The counting is being conducted under a strict three-tier security cover, with only CAPF personnel allowed in the innermost circle.
How many rounds of counting are there?
There will be a total of 23 rounds of counting to determine the final results.
