High drama unfolded in Murshidabad’s Domkal assembly constituency following the announcement of Shahnaz Begum as the Congress candidate. Furious over the nomination of a “turncoat” who joined the party from TMC just two months ago, local Congress workers launched a massive protest. The agitation escalated into a physical scuffle between two factions inside the party office, which was eventually locked by the protesters late Sunday night.

Local leaders, including Domkal Town President Swapan Mondal, accused the district leadership of ignoring loyalists in favor of an “outsider.” They have threatened to boycott the polls unless the candidate is changed. However, Shahnaz Begum refuted the allegations, stating she has deep roots in Domkal through her paternal and in-law’s families. District President Manoj Chakraborty attempted to downplay the crisis, promising a swift resolution.

The situation is particularly delicate as the TMC’s candidate, former IPS Humayun Kabir, is also facing “outsider” labels from local organizations. With the Left Front deciding to field a separate candidate this time, the internal rebellion has put Adhir Chowdhury’s bastion in a precarious position. The Congress leadership now faces a tough challenge in uniting the disgruntled cadre before the high-stakes battle.