Kolkata, March 14: In a bid to wrestle a long-held Congress bastion in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has thrown its weight behind Shahnawaz Ali Raihan, an academic and former journalist with a notable anti-CAA stance. Raihan, currently pursuing his DPhil at Oxford University’s St Antony’s College, is set to contest from Malda Dakshin, a constituency tightly held by Congress’s Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury since 2009.
Raihan’s entry into the political arena has not only stirred the electoral pot but has also sparked a war of words between TMC and BJP, given his vocal participation in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) in London between 2019 and 2020. His candidacy marks a strategic move by TMC to counter BJP’s influence in the region, particularly amidst the backdrop of contentious citizenship laws.
Born and raised in Mothabari, Malda district, Raihan brings a blend of academic prowess and grassroots activism to the table. Graduating in journalism from Calcutta University and completing his Master’s degree from Rabindra Bharati University, Raihan’s journey traverses through the corridors of academia and media before delving into the political realm. His association with organizations like the Students Islamic Organisation during his stint at Jamia Millia Islamia has also come under scrutiny.
However, Raihan remains undeterred, asserting his commitment to combatting what he sees as divisive politics. “I have decided to contest as the BJP has been infusing the politics of division in my home area of Malda,” he stated. His nomination by TMC underscores the party’s attempt to bolster its presence in regions where communal tensions have been simmering. Following TMC’s announcement of his candidacy, Raihan took to social media to express gratitude towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. His acknowledgment highlights the significance of TMC’s endorsement in his political journey.
The nomination of Raihan has also reignited political skirmishes, with BJP labeling him as a proponent of “Muslim fanaticism.” Raihan refuted these claims, emphasizing his love for India and his dedication to fighting what he perceives as discriminatory policies. As the electoral battle intensifies in Malda Dakshin, Raihan finds himself at the forefront of a contentious political landscape. With TMC banking on his academic credentials and anti-CAA stance to sway voters, and BJP aiming to exploit his past affiliations for political mileage, the stage is set for a fiercely contested electoral showdown.
