Mithun campaigns for Ramola

KOLKATA: It was a star-studded Thursday for Belgachia East. On the last day of campaign for the Assembly bypolls, the constituency received a touch of glamour as actor Mithun Chakraborty hit the street, campaigning for CPM candidate and former sports minister Subhas Chakraborty's wife Ramola Chakraborty.
Travelling down Bangur, Dum Dum Park, Lake Town and Salt Lake in an open vehicle, Mithun had local residents glued to their windows and rooted to the pavements as he waved and smiled at them, often blowing kisses at star-struck onlookers with Ramola by his side.Mithun, who has been close to Subhasda for over two decades, said he has come to show his gratitude to the leader who "stood by him in difficult times like an elder brother".
"I would rush to Subhasda whenever he called me up. I can't afford to forget the help I got from him. I am not ungrateful. Subhasda is no more. I am glad to be able to help Ramola boudi," said the star.
Mithun's visit came as a surprise not only to voters, but also the local CPM. Leaders admitted that their candidate was on a tricky turf this time. "Turning to filmstars is uncharacteristic of Left politics. Even Subhasda did not do this in his lifetime. But it could be a close contest this time and she needs all the help," said a party insider.
Mithun Chakraborty is not the only star to join the campaign for Ramola Chakraborty who is pitted against Sujit Bose of Trinamool Congress. A host of sports personalities, actors, writers and singers have also stood by Ramola. They include singers Suchitra Mitra, Sriradha Bandyopadhyay, Ajit Pande, footballer Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossein, actor Jeet, Badsha Moitra, magician P C Sorcer (Jr) among others. A leaflet being distributed by the CPM has their signatures.
On Thursday morning, after landing at Kolkata airport, Mithun headed straight to Bangur to begin his campaign journey. Travelling through Dum Dum, Bangur and Lake Town, his convoy made its way to Salt Lake. Everywhere, the star received warm welcome. Often, fans surged forward in a frenzy to touch him and Mithun gladly obliged. He, however, deftly skirted politics in the brief speeches he made along the journey.
"I am not a political personality and Subhasda is above all politics. But I have always been with Subhasda in whatever he did. So it is my duty to stand beside boudi and I will promise to come back to celebrate her victory," said the former disco king.
Writer Abul Bashar and swimmer Bula Chaudhury said Ramola Chakraborty deserves to win. "I will be glad if boudi wins. She had an important role in Subhasda's political carrier. She has also worked among the masses," said Bashar.