Ration Scam Fallout: Mallick's Defeat in Habra

Former West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick, embroiled in a multi-crore ration scam, lost to BJP's Debdas Mondal in the Habra constituency by 31,462 votes. Despite his arrest in 2023 and prolonged custody over the alleged scam, Mallick was unable to secure his seat back in the election.

In a significant political shift, former West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick faced a decisive defeat against BJP's Debdas Mondal, losing by a margin of 31,462 votes in the Habra constituency, as reported by the Election Commission.

The loss comes in the backdrop of Mallick's involvement in a high-profile multi-crore ration distribution scam. Arrested in October 2023 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) due to purported financial misdeeds, Mallick spent over 14 months in custody before his release on bail.

The election results mark a substantial setback for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), illustrating the potential impact of legal controversies on political fortunes.