High Stakes at Kaliganj: By-Election Amidst Tensions

The by-election for West Bengal's Kaliganj assembly seat, necessitated by the passing of MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, saw a 10.38% voter turnout by 9 AM. With tight security, tensions rose as Congress accused TMC of removing its agent. Alifa Ahamed (TMC) faces BJP's Ashis Ghosh and CPI(M)-backed Kabil Uddin Shaikh.

The Kaliganj assembly seat witnessed an early voter turnout of 10.38% as the by-election began under stringent security on Thursday morning, officials reported. The election became necessary due to the unfortunate death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed earlier this year.

Tensions escalated when the Congress accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of forcibly removing their polling agent from a voting booth, a charge firmly denied by TMC. Despite these frictions, polling is scheduled to continue until 5 PM under the watch of fourteen companies of central forces to maintain order.

In this high-profile electoral contest, Nasiruddin Ahamed's daughter, Alifa Ahamed, is representing the Trinamool Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated Ashis Ghosh, while Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh is supported by the CPI(M).

(With inputs from agencies.)