Daily wagers to crorepatis, Bengal legislative assembly has colourful mix

KOLKATA: A combination of young faces, veteran leaders and representation from different strata of society — right from multi-crore businessmen to a daily wage earner — is set to form the Bengal legislative assembly as the newly elected MLAs prepare to swear in.

But questions were raised about female representation, as only 39 women MLAs will be sworn in, making for merely 13% of the total members in the assembly. Trinamool had fielded 50 women candidates, among whom 32 won the elections and at least three others — including CM Mamata Banerjee — lost by a thin margin. “Our CM has always been focused on women’s empowerment and that has reflected in the representation of women, be it in the party or in the legislative assembly. The progression will continue,” said Chandrima Bhattacharya, former cabinet minister who won from the Dum Dum North constituency. Partha Chatterjee, one of the longest serving Trinamool MLAs since the party’s first election in 2001, also supported the induction of more women in the assembly in future.

Winning from Mamata Banerjee’s home turf Bhowanipore, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, who had been ridiculed for his age by his BJP rival, said he felt ecstatic being the senior-most MLA at the age of 78. Among MLAs across all parties, the from Sanyukta Morcha, Naushad Siddiqui (28), who represented Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party from Bhangar. Also in the team will be four-time MLA from Kasba, Javed Ahmed Khan, who also happened to be the richest MLA, according to the affidavit, which mentioned property and assets worth Rs 30 crore. The team also has Chandana Barui, a young homemaker who lives in a mud hut without electricity.