Kolkata, March 12: Malda South, which encompasses seven assembly constituencies, has become a crucial area for the upcoming elections. Once considered a stronghold of the Congress party, it faced a complete defeat in the last assembly elections, opening doors for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Established in 2009, this Lok Sabha constituency is now a political arena where a fierce contest among TMC, Congress, and BJP is anticipated.
The assembly constituencies within this region include Manikchak, English Bazaar, Mothabari, Sujapur, Baishnabnagar, Farakka, and Samsherganj, each with a unique electoral history. While TMC has expanded its dominance, BJP has made its presence felt in the English Bazaar seat. In the 2021 elections, Congress’s position deteriorated, while TMC secured victories in several constituencies.
Currently, TMC’s Sabitri Mitra serves as the MLA for the Manikchak assembly constituency. This seat, which came into existence in 1951, has witnessed 16 assembly elections. It briefly disappeared from the electoral map in 1957 but made a comeback in 1962. Congress has won here nine times, while CPI(M) has claimed victory four times, and TMC has won twice. In 2021, TMC captured this seat.
In the English Bazaar assembly, BJP’s Shrirupa Mitra Chowdhury is the current MLA, marking the party’s first win in this constituency. A total of 17 elections have been held here, including a by-election in 2013. Historically, this seat has been a stronghold for Congress and CPI(M), with Congress winning six times and CPI(M) securing seven consecutive victories from 1969 to 1997. Other parties, including TMC and BJP, have won here once.
Mothabari has seen Sabina Yasmin contest from various parties in three assembly elections. In 2021, she won on a TMC ticket, contributing to the party’s stronghold in the region.
The Sujapur assembly seat, established in 1957, has held 18 elections, including two by-elections in 2009. Congress dominated this seat for 16 consecutive terms until TMC won for the first time in 2021, indicating a shift in influence.
Baishnabnagar has experienced three assembly elections since 2011, with different parties winning each time. In 2011, Congress’s Isak Khan Chowdhury won, followed by BJP’s Swadhin Kumar Sarkar in 2016, who defeated Congress’s Azizul Haque. TMC claimed victory in 2021. The Lok Sabha elections have also seen fluctuations, with Congress winning in 2009 and 2014, while BJP triumphed over TMC in 2019 and Congress in 2024.
Farakka has witnessed 17 assembly elections, with Congress winning eight times and CPI(M) six times. The Bengal Congress also secured victories in 1967 and 1969. From 1971 to 1991, CPI(M) held sway, followed by Congress’s five consecutive wins. In 2021, TMC’s Manirul Islam emerged victorious. Notably, all seven elected MLAs from this area have been from the Muslim community.
Samsherganj was established before the 2011 assembly elections and has seen three elections so far. Congress has consistently led in this area, while TMC has won the last election. In 2011, CPI(M)’s Tohab Ali won, while TMC’s Amirul Islam secured victories in 2016 and 2021.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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