The youngest candidate in the West Bengal Assembly election, Shatarup Ghosh of CPI(M) contesting from Kasba constituency, has no immovable or movable asset. In his affidavit filed during submission of the nomination, Mr Ghosh said he possessed only `308.90 — `250 in hand and `58.90 in the bank.
He has no property purchased or inherited.
Asked whether he was the poorest candidate, an Election Commission official said, “It is very hard to say specifically. But as far as I know there is no one till now who has less assets than him.” The Left Front has fielded the 25-year-old student against seasoned Trinamul Congress candidate and sitting MLA Javed Khan.
Asked about his prospects in the election, Mr Ghosh said, “I will win. I am well received by the people of the locality.”
On his rival, who is a seasoned politician, he said, “That matters little when it comes to voting. I have full confidence in the people.”
Mr Ghosh, who is doing his post graduation, had led SFI supporters to Trinamul Congress Mamata Banerjee’s house after a clash between SFI and Trinamul Chhatra at Asutosh College in December last year.
A student of South Point High School, Mr Ghosh became a party full timer after admission in Asutosh College and quickly rose as a student leader.
With a bulk of the electorate comprising youth, the young brigade of the Left Front is strongly campaigning for Shatarup.
Those campaigning for him were housing minister Goutam Deb’s son Saptarshi, health minister Surya Kanta Mishra’s daughter Roushnara, CPI(M) MP and CITU state president Shyamal Chakraborty’s daughter Ushasi and former CPI(M) state secretary Anil Biswas’ daughter Ajanta Dey.
“This is a red fort and I want to win from this prestigious constituency,” Mr Ghosh said.