Kaliganj By-election: Tight Security, Triangular Battle Unfolds

Kolkata, June 19 (PTI): Polling for the by-election in the Kaliganj assembly seat, situated in West Bengal's Nadia district, commenced at 7 am on Thursday under stringent security measures, an official confirmed.

Fourteen companies of central forces have been stationed to ensure the smooth conduct of the bypoll, which is set to conclude at 5 PM.

The by-election arises due to the untimely passing of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed last February. Filling his shoes, his daughter Alifa is the contender representing the Trinamool Congress.

On the opposing front, the BJP has nominated Ashis Ghosh, while the Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh receives backing from the CPI(M).

The bypoll is evolving into a triangular battle involving the TMC, BJP, and the Congress-Left alliance. Themes of identity politics, the lingering unease post-Murshidabad riots, and a surge of nationalism following Operation Sindoor are predicted to be dominant in the electoral discussions.