Yusuf Pathan (TMC) and former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly denied reports that Pathan would resign his Baharampur Lok Sabha seat for Mamata Banerjee [1].
The denial addresses speculation that the Chief Minister of West Bengal intended to enter Parliament through a by-election. Such a move would signal a significant shift in the political strategy of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) within the state [1].
Reports had suggested that Ganguly may have asked Pathan to vacate the seat to facilitate Banerjee's candidacy. Both Pathan and Ganguly said these claims were false and baseless [1].
Pathan currently represents the Baharampur constituency in the Lok Sabha [1]. The rumors gained traction as observers questioned whether the TMC leadership sought a more direct presence for Banerjee in the lower house of Parliament [2].
Ganguly, who has maintained a public profile separate from active party administration, said that no such request was made [3]. The coordination between the former athletes and the party leadership suggests a desire to quell internal instability or public confusion regarding the seat's tenure [1].
Banerjee continues to lead the TMC as Chief Minister, and the party has not announced any official plans for her to contest a by-poll in the region [1].
“Yusuf Pathan and Sourav Ganguly both denied rumours that Pathan would resign his Baharampur Lok Sabha seat.”
The rapid denial by both Pathan and Ganguly suggests the TMC is keen to avoid perceptions of instability or forced resignations within its parliamentary ranks. By explicitly labeling the reports as baseless, the party aims to protect the legitimacy of Pathan's current term and prevent political opponents from claiming that the leadership is manipulating seats for the Chief Minister's benefit.
