Kolkata, Jan. 24 (PTI): The ensuing by-election in Uluberia lok sabha constituency in Howrah district is likely to witness a contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP although the CPI(M) is trying to hold its ground in the seat which was once its bastion.
The TMC, which had been winning the seat since 2009, has fielded Sajda Ahmed, wife of Sultan Ahmed whose death has necessitated the by-poll.
The CPI(M) has put up Sabiruddin Molla as the left front candidate while S K Madassar Hossain Warsi is contesting on Congress ticket from this semi-urban seat.
The BJP is the only party to field a Hindu candidate -- Anupam Mallik. Five other independents are also in the fray in the constituency.
Political observers say that the by-poll might witness a communal polarisation of the voters in Uluberia.
Uluberia is one of the Lok Sabha seats in the state having nearly 40 per cent Muslim population. The RSS and the BJP have increased their presence following the communal flare up at Dhulagarh in the district in 2016.
The BJP had increased its vote share in the successive by-elections in the state including the bypoll in Sabang assembly constituency last month.
The BJP has been vocal among all other opposition parties in the state about the Dhulagarh riots which the TMC leadership had dubbed as the “handiwork” of BJP to disturb the peace and stability of the state.
The TMC, which has undertaken various development work in Uluberia, is also banking on the popularity of its former MP Sultan Ahmed to win this time.
The TMC had secured 48 per cent votes in this seat in 2014 lok sabha election, whereas the CPI(M) and Congress had secured 31 and 5.71 per cent votes respectively. The BJP had bagged 11.5 per cent votes in the last lok sabha poll.
The CPI(M) his hoping to hold on to its ground and the party is trying to prevent BJP from eating into its vote share. The Left-backed CPI(M) candidate had won the seat from 1971 to 2009 at a stretch.
