Former Bengal cricketer Shib Shankar Paul, Santal academic Tanushree Hansda and Islamic scholar Md Mufti Abdul Matin joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday.
Paul, a former first-class cricketer and fast bowler who represented Bengal, runs the Shib Shankar Paul Cricket Academy in Kolkata, Tufanganj and Cooch Behar, nurturing grassroots talent.
At the joining ceremony, state Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said, “Shib Shankar Paul is a former cricketer who has made Bengal proud. He now trains young talents.”
Bhattacharya highlighted the government’s ‘Khelashree’ scheme, saying that financial assistance has been extended to over 38,000 clubs, 1,300 coaching camps and 34 state-level sports organisations.
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West Bengal election 2026: Matin, popularly known as Matin Saheb, is associated with 86 madrasas spread across North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Murshidabad. He has been actively involved in religious education and community welfare for many years, guiding students and supporting local initiatives across these districts.
Tanushree Hansda’s Academic and social work
Hansda, an assistant professor and head of the Bengali department at Heramba Chandra College in Kolkata, has over 15 years of teaching experience.
She has been active in the All India Santali Writers’ Association and conducts grassroots work in Bankura, Jhargram and Purulia districts, focusing on education, culture, and community development initiatives.
“Her success on the soil of West Bengal is a matter of great pride,” Bhattacharya said, praising her achievements and dedication to society.
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West Bengal Assembly Election schedule
The minister said the Mamata Banerjee government has consistently focused on empowering Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensuring welfare, development, equal opportunities, and inclusive growth through various targeted schemes and initiatives.
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Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. Votes polled will be counted on May 4, with results expected to shape the state’s political future. |
