Mother–Son contest heats up political battle in Dabgram–Fulbari

Siliguri: In the Dabgram–Fulbari Assembly Constituency of Jalpaiguri district, one of the most important seats in the region, the mother–son contest is significantly influencing the political atmosphere.

Ranjan Shil Sharma, contesting as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate, has emerged as a strong contender. Currently serving as a councillor of Ward No. 36 under the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), Ranjan began his political journey in the TMC under the guidance of BJP candidate Shikha Chatterjee, whom he regards as his mother. Over the years, he has remained actively associated with the party and grassroots politics.

Since being selected as the candidate, Ranjan has been actively campaigning across the Constituency, holding rallies and engaging with voters. A visible surge in campaign materials such as banners, posters, and wall writings in support of Ranjan and the TMC can be seen across Dabgram and Fulbari areas.

The Dabgram–Fulbari Constituency comprises Dabgram I and II, Fulbari I and II, along with wards 31 to 44 of the SMC. Several residents across wards 35, 39, 40, as well as parts of Fulbari, have expressed dissatisfaction with the sitting MLA and BJP candidate Shikha Chatterjee. Locals allege that she has remained largely absent from the Constituency over the past five years and has not actively engaged with voters. Some voters have also suggested that the familial relationship between Shikha and Ranjan could be influencing the election dynamics, with speculation that it may indirectly benefit the TMC candidate.

Responding to such claims, Ranjan said: “People have seen my work as a councillor. I have always stood by them in times of need. I am hopeful that they will bless me with their support.” On the other hand, Shikha Chatterjee filed her nomination on Wednesday, accompanied by a massive rally, signalling her continued political strength. Refuting allegations of inactivity, she said: “People of my Constituency know me well. I have been campaigning continuously in different areas. Personal relationships have no impact on elections.”

Meanwhile, CPI(M) candidate Dilip Singh is also striving to make his presence felt amid the high-voltage contest between the TMC and BJP. Singh, who has contested from this Constituency three times in the past but faced defeat on each occasion, is once again in the fray.

“People are looking for change. This time, the change will be seen across the state. I am confident of my victory,” Singh said. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Shikha Chatterjee, who had switched from TMC to BJP, won the seat by defeating TMC’s Gautam Deb by a margin of over 28,000 votes.