Trinamool Congress (TMC) has recently made a strategic move in West Bengal’s political chessboard by inducting former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan into the party ranks. Pathan, with his significant minority appeal and sporting celebrity status, is set to contest from the Berhampore seat in Murshidabad district, where over half the electorate is comprised of minority voters. This seat has always eluded TMC’s grasp since inception, and it’s hoped that Pathan’s star power will finally clinch a victory. The announcement was greeted with much fanfare and enthusiasm among party supporters during a rally where TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee disclosed his candidature.
Pathan’s political journey seems to be well-supported by fellow cricket professionals-turned-politicians within TMC, including Manoj Tiwary, who has extended both friendship and advice to the newcomer. Besides Pathan, TMC has also fielded another cricket star, Kirti Azad from Burdwan-Durgapur. Riding high on the celebrity factor, the party aims to consolidate a strong challenge against the current political rivals in the region. This tactic of picking star candidates has been a signature of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s strategy to draw mass support.
The congress, led by MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, maintains a strong hold on the Berhampore seat and Mamata Banerjee’s decision to pit Pathan against Chowdhury comes across as a calculated move to bolster TMC’s chances and send a political message. Amidst the election fervor, the possibility of alliances or seat-sharing arrangements with other parties like Congress remains a topic of hot debate, with Congress asserting that any coalition must be based on mutual negotiations. Congress and TMC’s lack of a formal alliance in the state reflects in the ongoing tussle and simultaneous declaration of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha seats. The political narrative suggests a battleground where previous loyalties and alliances are put to the test as each party vie for an upper hand in the upcoming electoral contest.