The CPI(M)-led Left Front has announced its candidates for 16 of West Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha constituencies amid ongoing discussions with the Congress over seat sharing. The Left Front has fielded 14 new and young candidates, including Saira Shah Halim, Sujan Chakraborty, and Dipsita Dhar. Meanwhile, the high-level committee on 'one nation one election' has submitted its report to President Ram Nath Kovind, recommending simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The Political Landscape of West Bengal: CPI(M)-Led Left Front Unveils Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls
In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front has announced its candidates for 16 of West Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha constituencies. This move comes amidst ongoing discussions with the Congress over seat sharing.
Background and Overview
The Left Front has been a dominant force in West Bengal politics for decades. However, in recent years, it has faced challenges from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has been in power since 2011. The TMC has been accused of political violence and suppression of dissent, leading to a decline in the Left Front's electoral fortunes.
In an attempt to regain lost ground, the Left Front has fielded a mix of experienced and new candidates. Among the new faces are Saira Shah Halim, a social activist and former member of the Planning Commission; Sujan Chakraborty, a prominent trade union leader; and Dipsita Dhar, a lawyer and social activist.
FAQs
1. Why has the Left Front announced candidates for only 16 constituencies?
The Left Front and Congress are still in discussions over seat sharing. The Left Front has announced candidates for the constituencies where it is confident of winning.
2. Who are the top candidates of the Left Front?
Some of the most prominent candidates include M.A. Baby (Malda), Badal Choudhury (Burdwan East), Mohammad Salim (Raiganj), and Sujan Chakraborty (Bankura).
3. What are the challenges facing the Left Front in these elections?
The Left Front faces challenges from the TMC, which has a strong organization and a large base of support in the state. Additionally, the Left Front has been weakened by defections and factionalism in recent years.
4. What are the Left Front's chances of winning?
The Left Front is unlikely to regain its dominance of West Bengal politics, but it could be a spoiler in some constituencies and may influence the outcome of the elections.
5. What is the significance of the Left Front's move?
The Left Front's announcement of candidates is a sign that it is still a force to be reckoned with in West Bengal politics. It also reflects the growing importance of young and articulate leaders in the communist movement.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to be a key test for the Left Front in West Bengal. The party faces significant challenges, but it is also fielding a strong and diverse slate of candidates. The outcome of the elections will have a significant impact on the future of communist politics in the state.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.