Hundreds of cars, thousands of red flags, and South Indian hit songs blaring from speakers—this isn’t a scene from the 90s, but the current reality of Karandighi in Uttar Dinajpur. As CPM candidate Haji Sahabuddin headed to file his nomination, the massive turnout went viral on social media, leaving even top CPIM leaders in shock.

Known affectionately as the ‘Biriwala’ by veteran leader Biman Bose, Sahabuddin is a prominent businessman and a messiah for factory laborers. Interestingly, his biri brand is named ‘Tara’ (Star), and locals believe he is the rising star the Left needs. Though he served as a local representative back in 2003 and later faded from the limelight, his comeback has electrified the constituency. In a seat where TMC won by 37,000 votes in 2021, Sahabuddin’s ‘Bhaijaan’ magic is now forcing both TMC and BJP to rework their strategies. Is Karandighi ready for a political earthquake? The massive crowd certainly suggests so.