Sourav Ganguly denies approaching Yusuf Pathan for Mamata Banerjee

Speculation surrounding the political future of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified following reports of a potential parliamentary bid. Following a recent electoral defeat in her own constituency to Suvendu Adhikari, discussions have emerged regarding whether the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader might seek a path to the Lok Sabha via a by-election.

Did You Know? The Baharampur seat in the Murshidabad district is identified as a potential target for the TMC due to its demographic composition, with Muslims—a key voter base for the party—comprising approximately 50-52% of the local population.

The Alleged Proposal and Official Rebuttal

A recent report in a Bengali daily suggested that the TMC attempted to secure the Baharampur seat by allegedly enlisting former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The report claimed Ganguly was asked to persuade current Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan to resign, effectively clearing the way for Mamata Banerjee to contest the seat.

Sourav Ganguly has firmly rejected these claims, labelling them as having a “reckless disregard of the truth.” In a detailed statement, the former BCCI president clarified that he has never been involved in political matters and denied ever contacting Yusuf Pathan regarding a resignation or any political proposal.

Context of Internal Party Friction

This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of reported instability within the Trinamool Congress. Sources indicate that approximately 23 TMC MPs are currently in contact with a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, as previously reported regarding the brewing crisis.

Expert Insight: The convergence of an alleged by-election maneuver and an internal parliamentary rebellion suggests a high-stakes period for the TMC leadership. As Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee prepare to engage with the INDIA bloc in Delhi, the primary challenge remains reconciling these internal divisions while maintaining party cohesion.

Looking Ahead

As the political situation evolves, Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee are scheduled to travel to Delhi on June 8. This visit is expected to focus on attending an INDIA bloc meeting and addressing the grievances of disgruntled TMC MPs. Observers may watch to see if this meeting serves to stabilize the party’s parliamentary wing or if the internal friction persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Baharampur seat mentioned in reports?

The seat is considered a potential option for Mamata Banerjee because it was won by Yusuf Pathan in 2024 and features a population that is 50-52% Muslim, which is a core constituency for the TMC.

Sourav Ganguly argues with Mohammad Yousuf ( Yousuf Youhana)

What was Sourav Ganguly’s response to the allegations?

Ganguly issued a statement denying the claims as “completely false,” asserting that he was never requested by Mamata Banerjee to contact Yusuf Pathan and that he had no involvement in the matter.

What is the current status of the TMC parliamentary wing?

There is reported unrest within the party, with sources suggesting that 23 TMC MPs are in communication with a rebel group led by Ritabrata Banerjee.

How do you believe these internal party dynamics will influence the upcoming political agenda in West Bengal?