Former cricketer, professor join TMC on a day party names candidates

Tuesday was a busy day for the Trinamul Congress. Not only did the party announce their list of candidates for the Assembly elections, there were many new people joining the party, with a few of them also being given tickets. One of them was Babar Ali, recognised as the youngest headmaster in the world, a distinction highlighted by the BBC. Babar Ali’s journey is one of extraordinary determination. Through his initiative, Ananda Siksha Niketan, he has dedicated himself to educating and uplifting underprivileged children, said the party in its post.

“We are delighted to welcome Shri Babar Ali to the Trinamul Congress family. A recipient of several prestigious honours, including NDTV Indian of the Year and recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 as a social entrepreneur, his work has earned admiration far beyond Bengal. His inspiring life story has found a place in state and NCERT textbooks, and his voice has reached global platforms through TEDx and programmes like Satyamev Jayate,” mentioned the X post of the TMC.

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Md. Mufti Abdul Matin, fondly known as Matin Saheb, associated with 86 madrasas across North and South 24-Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Murshidabad, has long been committed to the cause of community and education, has joined the party. Joining alongside him is Shib Shankar Paul, a former first-class cricketer and a respected fast bowler who represented Bengal with distinction. Through the Shib Shankar Paul Cricket Academy across Kolkata, Tufanganj, and Cooch Behar, he continues to nurture young talent and contribute meaningfully to grassroots sports development.

The party also welcomed Dr Tanushree Hansda, Assistant Professor and head of the Bengali department at Heramba Chandra College, Kolkata. With over 15 years of teaching experience and active involvement in literary and social initiatives, including the All India Santali Writers’ Association and grassroots work across Bankura, Jhargram, and Purulia, she brings with her a rich blend of academic insight and social commitment.

All three joined the TMC in the presence of minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and MP Partha Bhowmick.

Also, Pabitra Kar, former BJP leader from Boyal-I Gram Panchayat under Nandigram-II Block in Purba Medinipur, joined the Trinamul today in the presence of national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Dissatisfied with BJP’s anti-people stance, he has chosen to stand firmly beside Mamata Banerjee and work in the true spirit of Maa-Mati-Manush for the welfare of the people, said the TMC X post.