Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay Poised for Historic 10th Term as Bengal MLA
Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, an 82-year-old veteran politician, is on the verge of making history in West Bengal politics. If he wins the Ballygunge seat in the upcoming election, he will become the only MLA in the state to secure a record 10th consecutive term, a remarkable achievement that underscores his enduring influence and dedication.
A Political Journey Spanning Decades
In an exclusive interview, Chattopadhyay recounted his political beginnings in the 1960s during his college days. He first entered the legislative assembly in 1991, winning the Baruipur seat as a Congress candidate, and was re-elected from the same constituency in 1996. His career took a pivotal turn when he cut short his second term to join the Trinamool Congress, retaining the seat in a bypoll on a TMC ticket.
"My needs are very few, so I have dedicated myself to whatever responsibility the party has given me," Chattopadhyay said. "I love to work; wherever I have served as an MLA, I have delivered. In the early days, even with limited MPLAD funds, we workers used crowdfunding for development."
From Baruipur to Ballygunge: A Seamless Transition
Chattopadhyay emphasized that he has no preference for a particular seat, having served constituencies like Baruipur, Khardah, and now Ballygunge. "Whether it is Baruipur, Khardah or Ballygunge, I have no preference for a particular seat. Representing the party and connecting with people is what matters most," he stated.
In 2021, he was fielded from Khardah, located over an hour away from Bhowanipore, and won by a massive margin of 93,832 votes. He commuted daily for six years to serve the constituency, showcasing his commitment. Regarding his shift to Ballygunge this time, he revealed that Mamata Banerjee told him: "Dure chhilen, onek khetechhen, ebar kachhe daran" (You were far away, you have worked hard, now stay close).
A Trusted Figure in Trinamool Congress
As a founding member of the Trinamool Congress, Chattopadhyay was among the few leaders who stood by Mamata Banerjee during the party's inception. While many from the original team are no longer active, he remains one of the party's most trusted and non-controversial figures, known for his integrity and grassroots connect.
He fondly recalled his father's advice upon entering politics: "My father told me to serve people selflessly and never take the wrong path to earn money — an advice I still follow." This principle has guided his long and illustrious career, making him a respected name in Bengal's political landscape.
Ballygunge: A Constituency with Legacy
The Ballygunge seat holds special significance, as it was previously represented by the late Subrata Mukherjee, who won it in 2011, 2016, and 2021. Chattopadhyay's candidacy from this constituency is seen as a strategic move by the Trinamool Congress to leverage his experience and popularity.
With the election approaching, all eyes are on this octogenarian leader as he aims to set a new benchmark in Bengal's political history. His journey from a college activist to a potential 10-term MLA is a testament to his unwavering service and the trust reposed in him by both the party and the people.
