Kolkata, 4 June (H.S.) -Political circles in West Bengal are abuzz with speculation over senior Congress leader Shankar Malakar's potential defection to the Trinamool Congress. On Wednesday, the Congress party released its list of 34 star campaigners for the upcoming bypoll in Kaliaganj, notably excluding Malakar, a veteran leader from North Bengal.

Party insiders revealed that Malakar’s name was initially proposed but later dropped from the final list, reportedly due to growing certainty over his switch to Trinamool. Sources suggest that he may formally join the ruling party as early as Wednesday afternoon, though there has been no official confirmation from the Trinamool Congress so far.

Speculation is rife that Malakar could be fielded by Trinamool as its candidate from the Matigara–Naxalbari constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections. His inclusion could significantly bolster the party’s outreach among Scheduled Caste voters in North Bengal, where Malakar commands considerable influence.

In the revised list of Congress star campaigners, prominent names include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and Deepa Dasmunshi. Malakar’s slot has reportedly been filled by youth leader Rohan Mitra.

A seasoned politician, Shankar Malakar, 70, served as the Congress MLA from Matigara–Naxalbari for two consecutive terms between 2011 and 2021. He has been instrumental in maintaining the party’s grassroots strength in North Bengal, particularly among Scheduled Caste communities.

Despite Trinamool’s sweeping victory in the 2021 Assembly elections, Congress and the Left managed to retain some foothold in the region. Malakar’s departure, if confirmed, could deliver a serious blow to the Congress's already fragile base in North Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh