Fighting For A Fourth Term: Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Banks On Barasat's Development (image:facebook.com/KakoliGhoshDastidarMP)

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the incumbent MP and prominent figure in West Bengal’s political landscape, is all set to secure a fourth term in the Lok Sabha polls. Dastidar, a Trinamool Congress party (TMC) leader, won from the Barasat constituency for the past three consecutive terms. She has been representing the constituency since 2009.

In the 2019 parliamentary election, Dastidar defeated BJP’s Dr. Mrinal Kanti Debnath, by securing 648,444 votes, while former garnered only 538,275 votes, gaining a majority of 110,169 votes in the total turnout. In 2019, TMC faced a decrease in its majority from the past two terms, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) garnered more votes. In the 2014 and 2009 parliamentary elections, Dastidar”s majority were 173,141 and 122,901 votes, respectively, with AIFB as the major opposition in the race. However, this time, with the presence of three major parties, the Barasat constituency is witnessing a big battle for the seat.

Dastidar, who emerged influential through her notable performances in Parliament, addressing policies for the welfare and needs of women and children, education, healthcare system, and socio-economic development. She has also gained attention for her protest in Parliament against the hike in LPG prices by biting a raw brinjal while addressing Parliament earlier in 2022.

TMC is confident in participating, as they hold seven assembly segments in the Barasat constituency. Despite the increasing support for the BJP, AITC believes the constituency is still a stronghold for the party. TMC believes that people have witnessed massive development during Dastidar”s tenure. She also claims that she utilised the MPLAD fund and other schemes to bring about more progress for the constituency.

The installation of CCTVs at a cost of 97 lakh, solar projects installation in Deganga and Barasat at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.3 crore, improvements in village roads, infrastructure, and the public distribution system are some of the remarkable achievements Dastidar brought in the constituency. Dastidar, a gynecologist by profession, is an influential leader working beyond political life, particularly in the healthcare sector.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project.)