Will Kaliganj See a Three-Way Contest in the Upcoming Bypoll?

Synopsis
As political tensions rise, Kaliganj braces for a thrilling three-way contest in the upcoming bypoll. With the CPI(M)-led Left Front backing the Congress candidate, the stakes are higher than ever. Discover the implications of this fierce competition and what it means for the political landscape of West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Kaliganj is set for a competitive bypoll with multiple parties involved.
- The CPI(M)-led Left Front has endorsed the Congress candidate.
- Voting will occur on June 19, with counting on June 23.
- The Trinamool Congress has fielded Alifa Ahmed, daughter of a late legislator.
- Security measures include deployment of CAPF in the region.
Kolkata, May 31 (NationPress) The by-election in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency of Nadia district in West Bengal is gearing up for an intense three-way battle. The CPI(M)-led Left Front has officially declared its support for the Congress candidate ahead of the polls scheduled for June 19.
On Friday evening, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) revealed Kabil Uddin Shaikh as its candidate for the upcoming bypoll. Following this announcement, a senior leader from the CPI(M)'s state committee disclosed that Left Front allies convened and reached a consensus to endorse Shaikh’s candidacy.
Initially, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), one of the Left Front's components, considered putting forth its own candidate. However, veteran CPI(M) leader and Left Front chairman Biman Bose successfully persuaded the RSP representative to rally behind the Congress nominee during the meeting.
The BJP has yet to unveil its candidate for this constituency.
Previously, on May 27, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) appointed Alifa Ahmed as its candidate for the bypoll. At just 38 years old, Alifa is the daughter of the late Nasiruddin Ahmed, a former TMC legislator from Kaliganj, whose unexpected passing in February prompted the need for this by-election.
Kaliganj is among five assembly constituencies across four states that will be contesting on June 19, alongside Kadi and Visavdar in Gujarat, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Nilambur in Kerala.
The vote counting is scheduled for June 23.
The deadline for submitting nominations is June 2, with scrutiny set for June 3 and the final date for withdrawal of candidacy being June 5.
Earlier this week, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal announced that 20 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would be deployed in Kaliganj for the bypoll, with the setup expected to be finalized by next week.