Lok Sabha Election 2024: The Left Front unveiled the names of candidates for four additional Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, including Murshidabad, where CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim will contest, as announced on Saturday. The Left Front, which has already declared candidates for 16 seats in its initial list, revealed that Salim will represent Murshidabad. Other candidates named include Alokesh Das of CPI(M) for Ranaghat, Sukriti Ghosal for Bardhaman-Durgapur, and Shyamali Pradhan for the Bolpur constituency.


Left Front chairman Biman Bose, addressing a press conference, stated that the candidate selection was made following discussions among the constituent parties, news agency PTI reported. Salim, a former Lok Sabha MP from Raiganj, previously also represented the Kolkata North-East constituency. Alokesh Das, a two-time former MP from the erstwhile Nabadwip constituency, has been fielded from Ranaghat. Sukriti Ghosal and Shyamali Pradhan, contesting for the first time, are expected to bolster the Left Front's representation.


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Bose mentioned discussions are underway with the Congress regarding a seat-sharing arrangement. While the Left Front has declared candidates for 20 seats, the Congress has announced nominees for eight, leaving 14 seats undecided.


Bose criticised the BJP-led NDA government for the timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, alleging that such actions undermine democracy. Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case linked to Delhi's excise policy drew criticism from Bose, who pointed out that similar allegations in West Bengal were not adequately addressed.


 


Bose highlighted concerns over electoral bonds, alleging that parties benefiting from them may be influenced by vested interests. He noted the surprising trend of the Trinamool Congress being the second highest beneficiary of electoral bonds, while the Congress ranked third, despite its nationwide presence.