The Trinamool Congress has released its list of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, introducing new faces such as cricketers Yusuf Pathan and Kirti Azad. The party renominated 16 sitting MPs and fielded 12 women, while dropping a few sitting MPs and introducing new candidates. The list was announced at a mega rally in Kolkata, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the party will contest the elections alone.
Trinamool Congress Unveils Star-Studded Lok Sabha Candidate List
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its list of candidates for all 42 seats in West Bengal. The party has introduced several new faces, including cricket legends Yusuf Pathan and Kirti Azad, while also fielding a record number of women candidates.
New Faces and Renominated MPs
Among the most notable new candidates is former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who will contest from the Bongaon constituency. Former cricketer Kirti Azad will be the TMC candidate in the Darjeeling seat. The party has also brought in other prominent figures, such as former IPS officer Anuj Sharma and actor Nusrat Jahan.
In terms of renominations, the TMC has retained 16 of its sitting MPs, including party heavyweights such as Derek O'Brien, Sougata Roy, and Kalyan Banerjee. The party has dropped a few sitting MPs, including two-time MP Satabdi Roy from Birbhum and four-time MP Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar.
Focus on Women Candidates
The TMC has made a concerted effort to field a significant number of women candidates. Out of the 42 candidates announced, 12 are women. This is a substantial increase from the previous election, when the party fielded only four women candidates.
Mamata Banerjee's Solo Campaign
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the TMC president, has declared that the party will contest the elections alone. This marks a departure from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when the TMC formed an alliance with the Congress and Left Front.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who are the most prominent new faces in the TMC's candidate list? A: Yusuf Pathan and Kirti Azad.
2. How many women candidates has the TMC fielded? A: 12.
3. Will the TMC contest the elections in alliance with other parties? A: No, the party will contest alone.
4. Who are some of the sitting MPs who have been renominated? A: Derek O'Brien, Sougata Roy, and Kalyan Banerjee.
5. Who has been dropped from the TMC's candidate list? A: Satabdi Roy and Mahua Moitra.
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