Hard Times Ahead: Adhir Chowdhury After Losing Bengal’s Baharampur
06.06.2024 West Bengal: A significant political shift has occurred in West Bengal as veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury faces an uncertain future after his defeat in the Baharampur parliamentary constituency. This loss has resulted in Congress losing its grip over one of its last bastions in the state, leaving it with only the Malda Dakshin seat.
A Shocking Defeat
Chowdhury, a five-time MP and a key figure in the West Bengal Pradesh Congress, was defeated by Trinamool Congress’s star candidate, cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan, by a margin of over 85,000 votes. This defeat marks a significant blow to Congress’s presence in the region.
Facing Uncertain Times
Speaking to a Bengali TV channel from his residence, Chowdhury expressed concerns about his future. “I have no other skills apart from politics, so I will have difficulties ahead,” the 68-year-old leader stated. He also mentioned his plans to vacate his MP residence in the capital, which his daughter uses for her studies, and the challenges of finding a new place.
Political Landscape and Alliances
Chowdhury has been a vocal critic of Mamata Banerjee and resisted alliances with the TMC, despite the party’s presence in the opposition’s INDIA bloc. He acknowledged his defeat and reiterated his willingness to step down as the state PCC chief, pending discussions with his party leaders.
Campaign Challenges
Reflecting on the campaign, Chowdhury pointed out that no central Congress leaders campaigned in Baharampur, unlike in Malda, where Mallikarjun Kharge did. He attributed this decision to the party’s central leadership and declined to comment further.
Post-Poll Concerns
Chowdhury expressed fears of post-poll violence against Congress workers by the Trinamool and urged Mamata Banerjee to ensure their safety. “The state is now conquered. What’s the point in targeting our workers? Punish me, but leave my workers alone,” he pleaded.
Electoral Battle
Since 1999, Chowdhury had represented Baharampur in the Lok Sabha. His latest electoral challenge came from Yusuf Pathan, a non-resident TMC candidate from Gujarat. Despite Chowdhury’s efforts to forge a seat-sharing arrangement with the Left to counter both BJP and TMC, the alliance failed to yield positive results in the current elections.
The recent election results have further diminished the Left-Congress alliance’s foothold in Bengal, revealing the harsh realities of the political landscape. As Chowdhury contemplates his next steps, the future of Congress in West Bengal remains uncertain.