Phansidewa, 22nd March: Tea garden workers staged a protest on Sunday by blocking National Highway 27, demanding change of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for Phansidewa assembly constituency.
The protest erupted after Rina Toppo Ekka, currently serving as the President of the Panchayat Samiti, was nominated as the party’s candidate. Demonstrators instead demanded the candidature of Roma Reshmi Ekka, citing her active involvement in grassroots work and welfare initiatives for tea workers. The agitation led to the blockade of NH-27, connecting Siliguri and Kolkata.
Protesters stated that while they support the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and acknowledge her work for tea workers, they believe Roma Reshmi Ekka is a more suitable candidate due to her direct engagement with the community, whereas, no one knows Rina Toppo Ekka.The protesters warned that if their demand is not met, their votes will go elsewhere.
Responding to the situation, Kajal Ghosh, TMC coordinator of the Phansidewa assembly constituency, stated that the party has already finalized its candidates and that the decision must be respected.
Meanwhile, BJP candidate Durga Murmu criticized alleging internal factionalism within TMC and claimed that it would face a complete setback in the upcoming elections.