Yusuf Pathan, Moitra among Trinamool's list of 42 Lok Sabha names

Trinamool Congress announced candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal striking a fine balance by fielding 12 women, 10 SCs, 3 STs, 2 OBCs while 16 candidates, including MPs and MLAs, have been repeated. Around 11 new faces have been brought in. Sons of the soil, adivasis, gorkhas, Rajbonshi, Matuas, minority community and women have been given representation. The biggest surprise was Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan.

Party chief Mamata Banerjee walked up the platform with all the 42 Lok Sabha candidates at the Brigade Ground rally on Sunday. Abhishek Banerjee, who will be contesting from the Diamond Harbour constituency, announced the name of former cricketer and IPL player Yusuf Pathan who will be contesting from Baharampur.

Trinamool Congress has made it tough for Congress state president Adhir Ranjan by fielding the former cricketer against Adhir Ranjan in Baharampur. Trinamool usually puts up strong candidates in Malda and Murshidabad, both Congress strongholds. Former IPS officer from West Bengal cadre, Prasun Banerjee whose last posting was as DIG Raiganj Range (as IGP), will contest from Malda North.


Trinamool's list puts an end to all options regarding seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha elections with Congress, a partner in the INDIA bloc. The party has also given a ticket to expelled MP Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar.