Contrasting political moves in Malda: Congress gears up for 21 July rally

The political landscape in West Bengal’s Malda on the eve of July 21 seemed contrasting, with the Congress intensifying its mobilisation for its Martyrs’ Day programme in Kolkata.

The Congress, which retains a strong organisational base in the traditional strongholds of Malda and Murshidabad, has launched an extensive campaign to ensure a large turnout at its Martyrs’ Day programme near Shaheed Minar in Kolkata oon Tuesday.

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South Malda MP and Malda District Congress president Isha Khan Choudhury appealed to party workers to participate in large numbers, describing the event as an opportunity to strengthen the organisation.

“This is the right time to strengthen the Congress,” Choudhury said.

He informed party workers travelling by train that Congress volunteers would receive them at Sealdah station and escort them to Salt Lake Stadium, where arrangements for accommodation and food have been made before proceeding to the rally venue. Those travelling by road have been advised to report directly to Salt Lake Stadium.

District Congress leaders claimed that workers from different parts of Malda had responded enthusiastically to the appeal and had already started leaving for Kolkata.

Meanwhile, political developments took a different turn within the Trinamool Congress in Malda, where the party remains divided into rival camps.

Prasun Banerjee, retired IPS officer, MLA from Chanchal and district president of the Ritabrata (dissident) faction of the TMC, announced that a committee would be constituted to investigate allegations that party tickets for the 2023 gram panchayat elections were distributed in exchange for money.

“Many genuine Trinamool workers were denied opportunities because tickets allegedly went to those who could pay. The complaints will be investigated and a detailed report will be submitted to the party leadership,” Banerjee said.

Seeking to reassure workers who had become disillusioned or shifted towards the Congress, he asserted that the reorganised party would ensure transparency in candidate selection for the 2028 panchayat elections.

“No deserving worker will have to run after a ticket or pay money for it. Tickets will be handed over to deserving candidates at their homes after a transparent selection process,” he said.

Political observers believe the twin developments underline the changing political dynamics in Malda. While the Congress is attempting to consolidate its traditional support base by projecting organisational unity ahead of July 21, the dissident Trinamool faction is focusing on internal reforms and accountability in an effort to regain the confidence of grassroots workers.

The turnout at the rival July 21 programmes in Kolkata is expected to provide an indication of the organisational strength and future political direction of both parties in the district.