TMC bags 2 seats uncontested from Panskura municipality

The Trinamool Congress has bagged two seats uncontested for the first time in the 17-member Panskura municipality.

Election in seven civic bodies will be held on August 13. They are Durgapur Municipal Corporation, Coopers' Camp, Haldia, Dhupguri, Panskura, Balurghat and Buniadpur.

Both TMC candidates — Anisur Rahaman and Samiruddin — have been elected from Wards 15 and 4 uncontested. Sheikh Baduruddin, CPI(M) candidate from Ward 15; Samir Islam of CPI(M) and Ashis Chakraborty of BJP from Ward 4 withdrew their nominations on Tuesday. They went to the SDO's office in Tamluk and withdrew their nominations.

Both Rahaman and Samiruddin were elected in 2012. It may be recalled that Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee had urged party leaders and workers to pull up their socks to ensure victory of all candidates in the forthcoming municipal polls at the meeting held to observe Martyr's Day on July 21. The winning of two party candidates uncontested is a definite step towards fulfilling her dreams. Rahaman said the opposition candidates withdrew their nominations after they realised that because of development it would not be possible for them to win the polls.

"The people are in favour of development and they know that only Trinamool Congress can bring all-round progress in the area," he said. Samiruddin, who won the inaugural debut without a contest, said: "It was the victory of Ma, Mati, Manush." Niranjan Sihi, veteran CPI(M) leader said the Trinamool Congress had unleashed a reign of terror in the entire East Midnapore district and because of this the candidates are scared. The district BJP leaders said their candidate was threatened with dire consequences and was forced to withdraw his candidature. They apprehended that many opposition candidates will not contest in the polls fearing attacks on them.