Ambikesh Mahapatra, a chemistry professor at Jadavpur University who was jailed in 2012 on charges of sharing an allegedly defamatory cartoon through e-mail, is now an Independent candidate for a Kolkata suburban constituency in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
This human rights activist is viewed as a serious challenger to Sovon Chatterjee, sitting Trinamool MLA and Mayor of Kolkata Corporation, known to be close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Both the CPI(M) and Congress are supporting Mahapatra, and have not fielded their own candidates in the Behala East constituency to prevent the splitting of Opposition votes. The BJP is apparently yet to nominate its candidate for the seat.
“The Opposition in the State including BJP have been talking about lawlessness, criminal activities and rampant corruption. I am fighting against the nexus between the ruling party and a section of pliable administration that has unleashed an oppressive regime,” Mahapatra told
Fear psychosis Walking through the narrow lanes in his constituency, he said: “I am witnessing fear psychosis among the voters. I am trying to rekindle the hope in them to unite against intimidation and for the legitimate democratic rights and freedom of expression.”
His campaign is being carried out by the local CPI(M) machinery, he said. “The meetings are being addressed by former Supreme Court Judge Ashok Ganguly and former Chief Secretary of the State Ardhendu Sen along with local political leaders, professors, human rights activists, women’s group volunteers and students,” he explained.
He does face challenges. He will be without a symbol until the last phase of the campaign, as the Election Commission this time will assign a symbol for an Independent only after the date for withdrawal of nomination expires.
“However, the silver lining is that the voting machine would this time carry the photograph of the candidate. We are making sure the leaflets with the candidate’s photograph reaches every doorstep and follow it up with his presence in the locality everyday,” said his election agent. Once he is allotted a symbol, it will join the poll graffiti already dotting the walls.
His supporters feel that if the 2014 Lok Sabha poll result in this Assembly segment is any indication to the growing disenchantment with the ruling party, Mahapatra could prove to be a formidable opponent for Chatterjee.
Will the BJP confront this underdog fighting the ruling regime? More importantly, will the majority voters find Mahapatra’s voice attuned to theirs? The voting machines will capture the replies on April 30.