In a move that has electrified West Bengal’s political arena, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has unveiled former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan as its candidate for the prestigious Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency in Murshidabad district. This announcement was made during a massive rally in Kolkata, where TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee revealed a list of 42 candidates for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Pathan, who played a crucial role in India’s triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, is poised for a potential high-voltage clash against Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the current West Bengal Congress president and a vocal critic of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The decision to field Pathan, a celebrated all-rounder known for his explosive batting, is seen as a strategic move by the TMC to leverage his widespread popularity and mass appeal. As a sporting icon, Pathan’s entry into the political fray is expected to galvanize public interest and attention, particularly among the youth and cricket enthusiasts.
“Yusuf Pathan’s nomination is a testament to our commitment to fielding candidates with diverse backgrounds and connect with the people,” said a senior TMC leader. “His cricketing achievements and charisma will undoubtedly resonate with voters across all sections.”
TMC announces the names of 42 candidates for Lok Sabha elections.
Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan and party leader Mahua Moitra among the candidates. pic.twitter.com/vfmb7alfbx
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2024
In addition to Pathan’s candidature, the TMC has also named Mahua Moitra, a prominent face in the party, to contest from the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency. However, the decision to drop sitting MP Nusrat Jahan from the Basirhat seat has raised eyebrows, indicating the party’s strategic recalibration of its candidate lineup.
As the election campaign intensifies, all eyes will be on the high-stakes battle in Baharampur, where Yusuf Pathan’s political debut could potentially pit him against the formidable Adhir Chowdhury, setting the stage for a riveting electoral contest.
Political pundits and analysts are keenly observing the impact of Pathan’s entry, as the TMC aims to capitalize on his mass appeal and sporting legacy to consolidate its position in the state and potentially make inroads at the national level.
