The political landscape of West Bengal has lost a significant figure with the passing of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Haji Sk. Nurul Islam. On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister and party leader Mamata Banerjee confirmed the news. She expressed her deep condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting the profound impact of his loss.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Banerjee reflected on Islam’s contributions. She stated, “I’m saddened by the loss of my esteemed colleague, our Basirhat MP, Haji Sk. Nurul Islam. He was a committed social worker in the remote Sundarban area. Moreover, he tirelessly worked for the upliftment of the impoverished in a challenging region. Consequently, the people of Basirhat will deeply miss his leadership.”
Haji Sk. Nurul Islam was not only a dedicated social worker but also a prominent Muslim leader in the TMC. He made a significant impact in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Specifically, he won the Basirhat seat by an impressive margin of 333,547 votes, defeating BJP‘s Rekha Patra.
At 60, he successfully combined his role as a politician with that of a successful zari businessman. This blend of professional acumen and passion for public service set him apart in the political arena.
Islam began his political journey with the TMC at its inception. He first served as a member of the Gram Panchayat Samiti from Bahera village from 2003 to 2008. This early experience laid a strong foundation for his future roles in politics.
In 2008, he advanced to the Zila Parishad, where he represented North 24 Parganas. His commitment and hard work earned him respect not only within the party but also in the community.
In 2009, Islam seized the opportunity to contest the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat. He won decisively against CPI‘s Ajay Chakraborty by over 60,000 votes. Furthermore, his influence extended beyond Lok Sabha. He successfully contested the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 from the Haroa constituency. Notably, he retained his seat in the 2021 polls.
In 2024, he succeeded the sitting TMC MP Nusrat Jahan. Held the seat since 2019, winning with a remarkable margin of 350,000 votes against BJP candidate Sayantan Basu.
However, Islam‘s career was not without its challenges. Over nearly 25 years in politics, he faced several controversies. For instance, allegations related to inciting communal violence during the 2010 Deganga riots led to an FIR being filed against him. This incident, while significant, did not overshadow his many achievements.
In conclusion, Haji Sk. Nurul Islam leaves behind a complex legacy. He was a dedicated public servant and a champion for the marginalized. Many will remember his contributions to the TMC and the people of Basirhat. Ultimately, his impact will resonate in the hearts of those he served for years to come.
Kolkata: On Friday, January 10, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members demonstrated against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions after the ED raids at the I-PAC office and its chief Pratik Jain's home. | In relation to an alleged coal smuggling case that stretches back a few years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and Pratik Jain's home on Loudon Street in Kolkata on Thursday, January 8, 2025. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a protest against the ED raids on I-PAC after the raid set off a political storm in the state. Why is a chief minister endorsing Pratik Jain, and who is he? Pratik Jain, a political strategist and co-founder of I-PAC, is a graduate of IIT Bombay. He is credited with helping I-PAC grow into one of the most significant political consulting organizations in India. I-PAC was established in 2015 and offers services like data-driven campaign management, support for governance, and voter outreach initiatives. It has collaborated with a number of Indian political groups throughout the years, notably West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC). I-PAC reportedly collaborates closely with Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, and his office. The company oversees the IT and media division of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC and is in charge of creating its election campaigns. Mr. Jain was in charge of the Trinamool Congress's IT cell, according to Ms. Banerjee. According to his LinkedIn page, Jain, an engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, started his career as an analyst at the consulting firm Deloitte. He was one of the first members of Citizens of Accountable Governance, which later evolved into I-PAC. Arvind Kejriwal, M.K. Stalin, Jaganmohan Reddy, Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitish Kumar are just a few of the prominent figures with whom the political consultancy firm has collaborated.…
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