The Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) on Sunday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, naming 153 nominees and declaring its intention to contest all 182 seats in the state.
The announcement was made by party leader Humayun Kabir at a press conference. He said the remaining candidates would be announced soon, and the party's manifesto would be released later this month.
The party has fielded candidates in key constituencies, including the high-profile seats of Nandigram and Bhawanipore. Shahidul Haque has been nominated from Nandigram, while Punam Begum will contest from Bhawanipore.
Focus on Murshidabad and key seats
Humayun Kabir himself will contest from two constituencies in Murshidabad district - Rejinagar and Nawda, a decision he had announced earlier. The party has so far declared candidates in 10 out of 22 seats in the district.
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Among other candidates, Syed Ahmed Kabir will contest from Beldanga, Pirzada Khobaeb Amin from Bharatpur, and Manisha Pathak Pandey from Murshidabad. Mohammad Bijay Sheikh has been nominated from Hariharpara, another candidate named Humayun Kabir from Bhagwangola, and Yasser Haider from Raninagar.
The party's focus on Murshidabad indicates its attempt to strengthen its base in the district ahead of the polls.
Plans for manifesto and campaign
Addressing the media, Humayun Kabir said, "My party will fight in 182 seats in the state. The number of seats may increase somewhat. The names of the remaining candidates will be announced from Kolkata on the 25th, and the party's manifesto will be announced on the 28th."
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He added that the manifesto would prioritise key issues such as improving the health system, controlling price rise, strengthening law and order, and maintaining social harmony.
The Aam Janata Unnayan Party's entry into multiple constituencies, including politically significant seats, signals its intent to expand its presence in the state's electoral landscape.
