Out on bail, Mallick receives warm welcome in Habra
Times of India | 10 February 2025
Kolkata: Former state food and forest affairs minister and Habra MLA Jyoti Priya Mallick made his first visit to his constituency on Sunday after being released on bail in the ration case on Jan 15.
Mallick, who was imprisoned for nearly 14 months, received a grand welcome from party supporters and locals as he returned to Habra. A massive rally was held in his honour.
"I'm overwhelmed by the warm welcome from my people. My health has improved, and my primary focus now is on the development of Habra," he told reporters.
During Mallick's incarceration, funds from his MLA Local Area Development scheme reportedly remained unused. He has begun inquiring about how these funds — amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 crore — can be utilised. The MLA has held preliminary discussions with local party functionaries.
Narayan Chandra Saha, chairman of Habra municipality, said: "Since he was in jail due to a political conspiracy, these funds remained unutilised. Now, he wants to know what projects can be undertaken with this amount."
"All seniors, including our CM, have spoken to me. Many development projects will be resumed and finished soon," Mallick said.
According to sources, Mallick's absence over the past 14 months led to shifts in local TMC brass. Some of his close associates reportedly switched camps, and many within the party are now keenly observing his role going forward.
A Trinamool senior said: "Mallick has been a key figure in North 24 Parganas for decades. Even when he was jailed, CM Mamata Banerjee publicly stood by him. However, his absence created a void in the party's grassroots structure."
The MLA's return to active politics is expected to reshape dynamics in North 24 Parganas in the run-up to the next assembly elections.