Two teachers from same school enter electoral fray
BALURGHAT: In a striking convergence of education and politics, two assistant teachers from the same state-run higher secondary school in Kumarganj block have stepped into the electoral battlefield for the Assembly elections, contesting from two crucial constituencies of the district.
Arnab Chowdhury, an English teacher, is contesting from the Balurghat Assembly seat, while Bappai Horo, a Geography teacher, is in the fray from the Tapan (ST) Constituency. Both are representing the Revolutionary Socialist Party under the Left Front banner and share not only political ideology but also a professional bond as colleagues at Angina Borait High School.
Established in 1942, the school has long been a pillar of education in the region, currently serving 1,247 students with a faculty strength of 17 teachers. Chowdhury and Horo, known for their dedication and rapport with students, have now extended their commitment to public service beyond the classroom. Arnab Chowdhury carries a significant political legacy as the son of Bishwanath Chowdhury, a veteran RSP leader who represented the Balurghat Constituency seven times and served as a minister in the erstwhile Left Front government, holding key portfolios including Jail and Social Welfare.
Both candidates filed their nomination papers on Wednesday and have already begun intensive campaigning across their respective constituencies. Their candidacies add a unique dimension to the electoral contest in South Dinajpur, especially in the backdrop of the 2021 Assembly elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party secured victories in both seats. While Ashok Kumar Lahiri won from Balurghat, Budhrai Tudu emerged victorious from Tapan, defeating candidates of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.
With renewed enthusiasm, the two candidates are now seeking to reclaim these constituencies for the Left Front.
Speaking to reporters, Arnab Chowdhury said: “I have grown up witnessing grassroots politics and people’s struggles. My aim is to restore democratic values and ensure development that reaches every section of society.” Bappai Horo expressed similar determination, stating: “As a teacher, I understand the challenges faced by ordinary people. I want to be their voice in the Assembly and work for inclusive growth in Tapan.”
