Rehana Sultana, a resident of Chanchal in Malda District, accuses Rashidabad Panchayat head of falsifying identity to contest elections
Team Clarion
KOLKATA — The political scene in West Bengal is embroiled in a controversy surrounding Lovely Khatun, the head of the Rashidabad Gram Panchayat. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader has come under fire after Rehana Sultana, a resident of Chanchal in Malda District, filed a case accusing Khatun of being a Bangladeshi infiltrator who unlawfully entered India. The allegations include claims that Khatun has been concealing her true identity, including changing her name and obtaining fake documents to secure Indian citizenship and contest local elections.
The case has gained significant attention, as the Calcutta High Court has stepped in, seeking a report on the claims and ordering an investigation. The case has been further complicated by the recent arrests of individuals found to be living in India with fake documents, raising concerns about illegal immigration and identity fraud.
Rehana Sultana, a candidate in the 2022 Gram Panchayat elections, filed the case against Khatun. Sultana claims that Khatun is not an Indian citizen but a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally. According to the petition, Khatun, who allegedly went by the name Nasiya Sheikh before her name change, managed to acquire an Indian voter ID in 2015 and a birth certificate in 2018, despite having no legitimate claim to Indian citizenship.
The accusation comes at a time when there has been heightened scrutiny of individuals who allegedly infiltrated India using fake documents. Seven people were recently arrested for attempting to secure passports with forged papers. The allegations against Khatun have only added fuel to the fire, leading to calls for a thorough investigation.
Sultana’s lawyer, Amlan Bhattacharya, has claimed that there is concrete evidence suggesting Khatun altered her identity to gain eligibility to contest the 2022 elections. Bhattacharya stated, “We have gathered evidence to show that Lovely Khatun, whose real name is Nasiya Sheikh, has not only changed her name but also manipulated official records, including altering her father’s name.”
The evidence provided by Sultana’s legal team allegedly shows that Khatun’s father’s name was originally recorded as Jamil Biswas, but later changed to Sheikh Mustafa. Furthermore, Sultana’s lawyer argues that Khatun’s name is absent from the National Population Register (NPR) as a family member of Sheikh Mustafa, raising questions about the legitimacy of her claims.
The timing of the allegations is particularly sensitive, as Khatun is a well-known figure in the TMC, which has dominated the political landscape in West Bengal. Khatun’s political career began with the Congress-Left alliance, but after winning the 2022 elections, she reportedly joined TMC just months after her victory.
TMC, facing internal and external pressure due to the allegations, has launched its own investigation into the claims. Party spokespersons have stated that they will cooperate fully with the Calcutta High Court and authorities to resolve the matter swiftly. “We stand by our leader, and we believe that these allegations are baseless and politically motivated,” said a TMC spokesperson.
However, political analysts have pointed out that the case reflects the growing tensions within West Bengal’s political sphere, where accusations of identity fraud and corruption have been levied against several political figures. The allegations against Khatun have raised concerns about the level of transparency in local election processes and whether politicians with dubious backgrounds are being allowed to hold office.
The issue of citizenship and identity has been a contentious one in India, particularly in states bordering Bangladesh. West Bengal has witnessed significant political debates over the issue of illegal immigrants, with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) further fuelling the discourse.
The accusations against Khatun add a new layer to these ongoing debates, with several politicians and civil society groups questioning the ease with which individuals can change their identity and obtain official documents. Some critics have warned that such fraudulent practices undermine the integrity of the electoral system and can have serious consequences for national security.
“These allegations are not just about one individual; they represent a larger issue that has been festering for years in our country. We must address this issue of illegal immigration and document fraud head-on,” said a senior political analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Lovely Khatun has firmly denied all the allegations made against her. Speaking to the media, she categorically rejected the claims that she is a Bangladeshi infiltrator. “I have been living in India for as long as I can remember. These allegations are baseless and part of a smear campaign against me,” Khatun said in a statement.
Despite Khatun’s rebuttal, the case has drawn significant attention on social media, with several political figures and activists expressing their views. Many supporters of the TMC have rallied behind Khatun, dismissing the charges as an attempt to malign her reputation. “This is nothing more than a political vendetta. Lovely Khatun has worked hard for her community, and these allegations are a desperate attempt to tarnish her image,” said one of her supporters.
However, critics of the TMC have seized on the allegations, using them to question the party’s integrity. “If this is true, it is a serious violation of the law. How can a foreigner hold such a prominent position in our local government? This needs to be investigated thoroughly,” said a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long been in opposition to the TMC in West Bengal.
As the legal battle continues, the Calcutta High Court is set to receive a report on the allegations, with further hearings scheduled in the coming weeks. The court’s decision will have significant implications not only for Khatun but also for the broader political climate in West Bengal.
“The truth will come out, and justice will be served. I have faith in the legal system,” said Khatun in a recent interview.
The outcome of the case will likely set a precedent for how allegations of illegal immigration and identity fraud are handled in the future, especially in politically sensitive regions like West Bengal.
The allegations against Lovely Khatun have sparked intense debate in West Bengal, raising concerns about identity fraud, illegal immigration, and the political integrity of local leaders. While Khatun vehemently denies the claims, the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will determine whether the accusations hold any water. The case has highlighted the complexities surrounding citizenship and identity in India, and how such issues can be used to further political agendas.
As the story develops, it will undoubtedly remain a point of contention, with implications not only for Khatun but also for the future of local politics in West Bengal.
