Bengal poll 2026: SIR shadow puts ministers’ election plans in limbo

KOLKATA/MALDA/MURSHIDABAD: While Trinamool Congress is expected to announce its candidate list any day now, several MLAs — including state cabinet minister Shashi Panja — whose names figure in the judicial adjudication list remain anxious over their electoral status. They are in constant touch with the district election officers to get a clear picture.

Panja questioned the poll observer during an all-party meeting on Monday about the fate of such potential candidates who are on the list of judicial adjudication. "The EC has no clear answer. I never faced a situation like this, when even a day before the announcement of candidate names, I don't even know whether I am eligible as a valid voter," she said.


Fellow ministers Tajmul Hossain and Gholam Rabbani echoed the frustration. Rabbani noted that over 78,000 voters in his constituency were facing a similar fate. "I try to console them with my own experience, but discontent is rising. Don't I have the right to contest after serving as an MLA for so long?" he asked.

In Murshidabad, a string of politicians — including Jangipur MLA Jakir Hossain, Sagardighi MLA Byron Biswas, Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman, Jalangi MLA Abdur Razzak, and Nowda MLA Sahina Momtaj Begum — featured on the adjudication list.

Biswas, a prominent industrialist, said the EC sought clarification on familial details, delaying approval despite his business and charitable work spanning six states. "We submitted all required documents and hope the party and voters will continue to trust us," he said.

Jakir Hossain, also an entrepreneur, described the adjudication as "harassment", noting he attended hearings to correct a spelling mistake despite a tight schedule.

Party sources said the party may keep additional candidates in the pipeline and, if the MLAs' and ministers' names get deleted, they will replace them before the final date of nomination.

The ruling party is not alone in its concern. Congress leaders in Malda voiced similar anxieties. Mousam Noor, former MP, said several potential candidates, including Al Biruni and Mottakim Hossain, remained in adjudication. CPM's Ambar Mitra asked, "Why focus only on sitting MLAs or ministers? Every citizen should be able to file nominations."