WestBengalPolitics – TMC Faces Internal Rift Over Rajganj Ticket Decision

WestBengalPolitics –  Tensions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) became evident after Rajganj legislator Khageswar Roy stepped down from his post in the party’s Jalpaiguri district unit. His resignation came soon after the party leadership announced candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, where Roy was denied a ticket from his long-held constituency.

Senior Leader Steps Down After Ticket Denial

Khageswar Roy, who has represented Rajganj three times and played a key role in strengthening the party in north Bengal, resigned as the district chairman shortly after the candidate list was made public. His decision reflects growing unease among local leaders over the party’s selection process ahead of the polls.

Roy has been associated with the TMC since its early years and is regarded as one of its prominent organisers in the region. His sudden exit from the district leadership post has drawn attention to internal disagreements at a crucial time for the party.

Allegations Over Candidate Selection Process

Expressing disappointment, Roy claimed that factors beyond merit influenced the decision to replace him as the party’s nominee. He suggested that financial considerations may have played a role in determining the final list of candidates.

Speaking to reporters, Roy said he felt sidelined despite his long-standing association with the party. He indicated that being overlooked in favour of a new face had raised concerns about fairness within the selection process.

Concerns Over New Candidate’s Local Connect

The party has nominated Swapna Barman, an Asian Games gold medallist, as its candidate from Rajganj. While Barman is a well-known athlete and hails from Jalpaiguri district, Roy questioned her political experience and connection with grassroots workers.

According to him, the decision to field someone who has not been actively involved in party activities could impact the party’s performance in the constituency. Roy warned that such choices might weaken the organisation’s local strength and affect electoral prospects.

Long Political Association Highlighted

Roy emphasized his role in building the party’s base in Rajganj over the years. He described the denial of a ticket as unjust, stating that his contributions to the organisation had not been adequately recognised.

Despite his resignation from the district post, Roy has not yet clarified his future political plans. He mentioned that he has communicated his concerns to the party leadership and is awaiting their response before taking any further steps.

Profile of the New Candidate

Swapna Barman gained national recognition after winning a gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2018 Asian Games. Earlier this year, she formally joined the TMC in the presence of senior state leaders during a public event.

Barman, who has faced injuries in recent years, has stepped away from active competition and is currently employed with the Railways. Her entry into politics marks a transition from sports to public life, and the party appears to be banking on her popularity.

Party Yet to Respond

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the TMC’s Jalpaiguri district leadership regarding Roy’s resignation have not yielded any response so far. The development comes at a time when political parties are consolidating their strategies ahead of the elections.

The situation in Rajganj is being closely watched, as internal differences within party ranks could influence the outcome in the constituency. How the leadership addresses these concerns may play a role in maintaining unity within the organization.