Yusuf Pathan campaigns for Trinamool’s Jay Prakash Toppo

Alipurduar: Berhampore MP and former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan campaigned in Madarihat on Sunday in support of Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jay Prakash Toppo for the upcoming Madarihat Assembly by-election. The by-election, set for November 13, will take place in Alipurduar district.

Trinamool Congress intensified its campaign in the final phase, with Pathan addressing a road rally in Binnaguri. The rally proceeded towards Goerkata, where large crowds of Trinamool supporters and cricket fans gathered to see the former cricketer. Many approached Pathan with bats, prompting him to pick one up and declare the party’s slogan, “Khela Hobe.”

Key political figures joined the campaign alongside Pathan, including state minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Tribal Development Bulu Chik Baraik, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, Trinamool Congress Minority Cell state president and MLA Mosharef Hossain, district Trinamool Congress president Mahua Gope and district Trinamool Congress chairman Khageshwar Roy.

After his campaign in Jalpaiguri, Pathan continued his efforts in Alipurduar, where he participated in another roadshow in Birpara. The rally began at the Upper Line Prakash Pradhan Complex, winding through Birpara town and ending at Birpara Patho Saathi. MP Rajyashava Prakash Chik Baraik also participated in the Birpara rally.

Before leaving for the Sitai Assembly campaign in Cooch Behar, Pathan expressed his support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying: “CM Mamata Banerjee has done a lot for the people of Bengal. Today’s roadshow saw a massive crowd in support of Jay Prakash Toppo, which clearly shows the people’s preference for TMC. I am confident that Jay Prakash will win this by-election and deliver for the tea garden workers in the area.”