TMC fields candidates after 'Dandavat Parikrama' controversy with BJP women

In a significant turn of events, the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has nominated one of the three tribal women who were subjected to a "punitive circumambulation" for leaving the party and joining the BJP. The move has been seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter allegations and regain ground in the upcoming Gram Panchayat elections.

Shiuli Mardi, from Chakbalram in Gofanagar Gram Panchayat of Tapan block in Dakshin Dinajpur district, has been selected as the Trinamool Congress candidate. Shiuli commenced campaigning in her area on the afternoon of June 17 and personally undertook wall writing activities.

Following the incident of punitive circumambulation, the opposition, including the BJP, accused the Trinamool Congress of alienating tribal communities. However, Shiuli Mardi expressed her belief that the tribal people have not deserted the Trinamool Congress and continue to have faith in the party, crediting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the development initiatives undertaken.

The district Trinamool leadership stated that the party's confidence in Shiuli remained intact even after the punishment, leading to her nomination as a candidate. They expressed optimism about the Trinamool Congress' prospects in the upcoming Panchayat elections.

A few months ago, the incident of punitive circumambulation created a political uproar at both the district and state levels. The video footage showed Shiuli Mardi and two other tribal women performing the ritual as punishment for joining the BJP. Sudipta Chakraborty, Vice President of Balurghat Municipality, was implicated in the incident and subsequently removed from his party and administrative posts.

Since then, the Trinamool leadership in the district has made efforts to mend the situation and prevent the loss of tribal support. Gofanagar, where the incident occurred, was previously a stronghold of leftist parties, but the Trinamool Congress captured it in the 2013 Panchayat elections and emerged victorious again in 2018.