Former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Yusuf Pathan has embarked on his campaign journey from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, ready to take on the challenge in the Congress stronghold. Amidst a warm welcome from TMC workers, Pathan engaged with party activists and addressed reporters, asserting his deep-rooted connection to Bengal and his determination to contest the upcoming elections.
Responding to opposition claims of being an outsider, Pathan drew parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candidacy in Varanasi, emphasizing his status as “Bengal’s child” and his commitment to the state. Drawing inspiration from former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly’s cricket analogy, Pathan expressed his resolve to put up a spirited fight, likening the electoral battle to a competitive cricket match between India and Australia.
The TMC shared images of Pathan’s campaign, highlighting the enthusiastic support from people across Baharampur. Emphasizing Pathan’s dedication to the welfare of the state, the party hailed his candidacy as the dawn of a new era filled with hope and optimism.
Pathan’s nomination from Baharampur, a Congress stronghold represented by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has set the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest. While Chowdhury’s candidacy is yet to be confirmed by the Congress, political observers anticipate a fierce battle between the heavyweight Congress leader and the former cricketer.
Addressing concerns raised within the TMC regarding Pathan’s nomination, Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir initially criticized the decision but later pledged his support to Pathan after a meeting with the party leadership. Kabir’s endorsement further solidifies Pathan’s position within the party and underscores the unity behind his candidacy.
Pathan, known for his aggressive style on the cricket field, bid farewell to his illustrious cricketing career in February 2021, marking the end of an era. Now, he embarks on a new journey in the realm of politics, aiming to make a significant impact in West Bengal’s electoral landscape.
As the elections for the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat approach in the fourth phase on May 13, all eyes are on Yusuf Pathan as he seeks to make his mark in the political arena and secure victory for the TMC in this crucial battleground.
