Malda ZP Sabhadhipati election on 7 July

Statesman News Service

MALDA, July 3: After the formation of panchayat samities, it is speculated that the election for the Sabhadhipati of Malda Zilla Parishad will commence on 7 July. The Congress high command has still not released the names of elected candidates, who are competing for the chair in MZP.This has evoked curiosity among the regional Congress workers and claimants. The WB PCC chief, Mr Priya Ranjan Das Munshi is endowed with the absolute authority of voting a candidate for the election over here.But he democratically prefers the district Congress president, Mrs Rubi Noor, and Malda M P Mr AH Khan Choudhury and has entrusted them with the responsibility of selecting a suitable candidate for the post. Names of three candidates, who are competing for the post, have come to the forefront.Out of three, one elected candidate, Mr Mostaq Alam is the former MLA of Harishchandrapur. He has not only projected himself as the next Sabhadhipati to capture votes but also, has conducted a meeting with the MZP staffs, after he was elected in MZP, several times. Abdul Matin, a senior Congress worker and retired school teacher, is in the priority list of Congress workers and leaders, as the candidate for Sabhadhipati. Besides, many male candidates have tried hard to project themselves as the ideal leader for the post. However, who will finally get the ‘lucky ticket’ from Mrs Rubi Noor, is still a daunting question. A few days back, a highly educated young female, Sabina Yesmin has been elected from Kaliachak as a ZP member. All the eyes are glued on her and she is even considered as the ‘best alternative’ to others in the rat-race.According to sources, the Congress leaders evidently prefer her over others and they are even keen on applying the method of selection, formulated by Mr Rahul Gandhi, on her. The Congress has not been clear on who to nominate for the role from the BJP and CPI-M pool of candidates, falling under the ST quota. The Congress has no ST candidate elected for MZP, as yet. Following the Congress-BJP alliance and formation of Old Malda panchayat samity, anticipations are running riot. Political bigwigs have opined that the Congress would prefer a BJP candidate for the post of a saha-sabhadhipati. There is a provision for a fresh tribal candidate for this reserved post. If the Congress launches a fresh tribal candidate as the saha-sabhadhipati, within three months, the candidate has to win a Zilla Parishad seat.In such a case, one elected Congress candidate will have to sacrifice and quit membership.