Tensions within the Trinamool Congress are escalating, particularly in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, following the party's decision to nominate former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan as its candidate for the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency.
Humayun Kabir, a Trinamool Congress MLA representing the Bharatpur assembly constituency in Murshidabad, has emerged as a prominent critic of this decision. Kabir claims that the party leadership unilaterally announced Pathan's candidacy without consulting the district leadership.
Expressing his discontent, Kabir stated, "The district leadership should have been informed beforehand about the decision to field Pathan. I refuse to accept this. Wait for the election dates to be announced, and you will witness my next steps. I will ensure votes against him."
Despite his opposition, Kabir clarified that he has no intentions of joining any opposing political faction. "If necessary, I will establish my own political entity," he asserted, highlighting his independent stance. This isn't the first instance where Kabir has challenged the party leadership. Last September, he accused them of favoritism in ticket distribution during the state's panchayat polls.
The discontent within the party ranks became evident immediately after the candidate list was unveiled on Sunday afternoon. Sayantika Banerjee, a renowned actress-turned-politician and the party's state general secretary, tendered her resignation on Monday.
Meanwhile, Arjun Singh, the incumbent MP from the Barrackpore constituency in North 24 Parganas district, has accused the party leadership of reneging on promises made to him when he defected from the BJP to join Trinamool Congress in 2022. Singh's dissatisfaction further adds to the growing turmoil within the party.
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