Once a formidable bastion of the Congress, Malda has witnessed a steady erosion of the party’s dominance over the years. Now, amid West Bengal’s evolving political landscape, the Congress is making a renewed push to reclaim its lost ground, with senior leader Rahul Gandhi set to lead the charge.
After a gap of seven years, Gandhi is scheduled to visit Malda on April 14, where he will address an election rally at the Kalambagan Ground in Chanchal around noon. The visit has generated significant anticipation across the district, with party workers and supporters gearing up for a massive turnout.
On Sunday, a joint delegation comprising police officials and Congress leaders inspected the rally venue to review security arrangements and logistical preparations. Party sources estimate that the gathering could attract over one lakh people, a show of strength the Congress hopes will send a strong political message in the region.
Gandhi shares a longstanding association with the family of influential Barkat Gani Khan Chowdhury, former railway minister, of Malda, a factor that is shaping his campaign focus. The Congress has placed particular emphasis on key constituencies such as Chanchal and Sujapur. In addition to campaigning in Malatipur, he is also expected to address a public meeting in Sujapur, historically associated with late Congress stalwart Ghani Khan.
At the Chanchal rally, Gandhi will campaign for four party candidates— Mausam Noor (Malatipur), Asif Mehboob (Chanchal), Mostaque Alam (Harishchandrapur), and Mottakin Alam (Ratua). The event is being seen as a strategic opportunity for the Congress to showcase its presence across multiple constituencies in the district.
Preparations for the rally are in full swing, with ground clearance work nearing completion. A temporary helipad is also being constructed to facilitate Gandhi’s arrival, from where he will proceed to the venue by road. Indra Narayan Majumdar, General Secretary of the Malda District Congress, said Gandhi is familiar with the region and expressed confidence in drawing a large crowd.
Significantly, the Congress has opted to contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections independently, departing from its earlier alliances with the Left Front. The decision underscores the party’s intent to rebuild its base through a solo campaign.
Political observers view Gandhi’s visit as more than just an election rally— it is being seen as a litmus test for the Congress’s revival prospects in Malda. The extent to which this high-profile campaign can influence the district’s electoral dynamics remains to be seen.
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