Battle Heats Up in Kaliganj: Trinamool Takes on BJP and Congress

Polling is underway for the Kaliganj assembly by-election in West Bengal after the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed. His daughter, Alifa, represents TMC. The BJP and Congress-Left alliance are also in the fray. Tight security marks the triangular contest amid nationalist and identity politics.

Polling commenced at 7 am on Thursday for the by-election in West Bengal's Kaliganj assembly seat, following stringent security measures, as confirmed by an official. The voting session is scheduled to close at 5 PM.

This by-election became necessary after the sudden passing of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed earlier this year in February. His daughter, Alifa Ahamed, is contesting the seat for the Trinamool Congress.

The contest has evolved into a triangular battle, with the BJP nominating Ashis Ghosh and the Congress nominating Kabil Uddin Shaikh, who has the backing of the CPI(M). Identity politics, anxieties post-Murshidabad riot, and a rising nationalist sentiment after Operation Sindoor dominate the electoral conversation.

(With inputs from agencies.)