Kolkata: The Election Commission has announced by-elections on 3 vacant Rajya Sabha seats of West Bengal. According to the commission, voting will take place on July 24 and the results will also be declared in the evening of the same day. These three seats had become vacant due to the resignation of TMC MPs. Now everyone’s eyes are on who TMC will field on these seats.
Why were all three seats vacant?
These Rajya Sabha seats have become vacant after the resignation of TMC MPs Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik. The three leaders had submitted their resignations at different times in the month of June. These resignations had created a stir in state politics and also fueled discussions of discontent within the party.
What is the complete program of the Election Commission?
According to the Election Commission notification, voting will be conducted from 9 am to 4 pm on July 24. After the end of voting, counting of votes will take place on the same day, and the names of the winning candidates will be declared. This by-election is being conducted to fill the vacant seats of the Rajya Sabha.
What allegations did Sukhendu Shekhar Roy make?
First, senior leader Sukhendu Shekhar Roy resigned from both the party and the Rajya Sabha. In his letter he raised questions on the working style of the party. Alleged that corruption is increasing, incidents against women have increased and old loyal workers are being ignored. He also mentioned the RG Kar Medical College issue and said that the party has deviated from its basic principles.
Why is this election important for TMC?
These three seats of Rajya Sabha are considered very important for Trinamool Congress. Amidst the recent political developments and differences within the party, this by-election is also being considered as a test of TMC’s political strength. Due to having majority in the Assembly, the party’s position is definitely strong, but everyone’s eyes will remain on the selection of candidates and election strategy.
What political message will the by-election give?
Political analysts believe that this by-election will not be limited to filling vacant seats only, but it will also indicate the changing political picture of Bengal. Along with maintaining representation in the Rajya Sabha, this will also be an opportunity for TMC to show organisational unity. At the same time, the opposition is also keeping an eye on this entire incident, because it may have an impact on the politics of the state in the coming times.
