Maniktala bypoll: TMC may field former Bengal minister Sadhan Pandey’s widow
Times of India | 12 June 2024
KOLKATA: Former state minister Sadhan Pandey's widow Supti Pandey is likely to be Trinamool's Maniktala bypoll candidate, CM Mamata Banerjee indicated in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Supti, CM Banerjee's BEd classmate, who has largely stayed off active politics, appeared to be a surprise pick given the fact that her daughter Shrreya was more into active politics after the death of her father - a nine-time legislator - in 2022.Pande had been a Maniktala MLA since 2011.
On Tuesday, during a meeting at Nabanna, CM Banerjee invited Supti along with ex-Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh, KMC deputy mayor Atin Ghosh, and MMiC Swapan Samaddar, and indicated her choice for Pande's political successor in Maniktala. After 40 minutes of talks, CM was quoted as saying, "Sadhan Da has been with us for a long time. Boudi is very dear to me. You all will work together, and the party will announce the name very soon."
Supti later told reporters, "This is an immense responsibility... People from far and wide knew about Sadhan Pande. It was because of him that I got to know every person and every worker's home. I know Maniktala like the back of my hand." Recounting her links with CM Banerjee, she said, "She went to CU for her MA. I was taking the psychology classes for my MSc at Science College. At that time, we both thought of doing BEd and becoming professors. We had only thought of the teaching profession then. I had no inkling that Mamata was involved in politics. From that point, our friendship deepened. My maiden surname was also Bandyopadhyay and I, like her, am also from Kalighat."
"For the past two years, in Sadhan Babu's absence, Shrreya has held the area together. Every worker knows this. Mothers always want their kids to progress if they have the capability. We can't do anything disregarding the party supremo. Mamata has assured that the future belongs to Shrreya... One thing is certain, Shreya is not just one among the crowd," Supti added. Shrreya posted on Facebook, sharing a picture with her mother, writing "Dad will feel very proud of you."
Ghosh said, "There were some talks in presence of the CM. The party will inform when there is something to announce." It was also decided that Anindya Raut will be the agent for Trinamool candidate in the bypoll, and Ghosh would be the convener.
Banerjee had also invited Beliaghata MLA Paresh Pal'. The CM, though, noticed that Pal didn't look well. She ensured Pal received immediate treatment and it was found that the MLA had developed minor blood clots in his brain.