No-Confidence Motion Fails in Harishchandrapur Panchayat

Shamima Parveen remains the Pradhan of Kushida Gram Panchayat in Malda after a no-confidence motion against her failed to pass on Wednesday. The situation at the Harishchandrapur-1 block office remained tense during the proceedings, leading the administration to deploy central forces and impose section 163 of the BNS to maintain order.

Details of the Panchayat Composition

The Kushida Gram Panchayat consists of 28 members in total. The political breakdown includes nine members from the Trinamool Congress, six from Congress, five from CPI(M), and four each from the BJP and independent candidates. Although Shamima Parveen was initially elected as Pradhan representing the CPI(M), the board later came under the control of the Trinamool Congress after several members switched their political allegiance following the election.

The No-Confidence Motion Process

A coalition of opposition parties led by Congress moved the no-confidence motion to remove the Pradhan from her position. This group included members from the CPI(M), a faction of the Trinamool Congress, and some BJP members. To secure the necessary numbers for the vote, a BJP member named Shankar Chandra Rai was brought from jail to the panchayat office under court permission to participate in the meeting.

Outcome and Allegations

The motion failed after Shankar Chandra Rai did not cast his vote. Opposition members alleged that he was taken out of the meeting by an official after signing, which prevented the motion from passing. However, the police administration denied these claims, stating that Shankar Chandra Rai informed the presiding officer himself that he did not wish to vote. Following this, he was returned to jail according to legal procedures, and Shamima Parveen retained her position as Pradhan.