Kolkata, 18 March (H.S.): Three-time Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Amdanga in North 24 Parganas district, Rafiqur Rahaman, on Wednesday urged the party leadership to reconsider its decision to field a new candidate from the constituency.

Protests broke out after the party announced Peerzada Kasem Siddiqui as its candidate from the seat, replacing Rahaman. Supporters of the veteran MLA blocked the Amdanga–Kakinara Road, burnt tyres and raised slogans in his support as well as in favour of the party.

“I urge the party leadership to reconsider its decision,” Rahaman said, adding that he remains a committed worker of the party and will continue to stand by it.

He also expressed concern over the party’s prospects in the constituency following the change of candidate. “I do not know how successful we will be this time,” he said, claiming that both party workers and a section of the general public were not in favour of the new candidate.

Notably, the TMC has denied renomination to 74 sitting MLAs and announced new candidates in their place for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh