Former Cricketer, Santal Academic, and Islamic Scholar Join Trinamool Congress

Former Bengal cricketer Shib Shankar Paul, Santal academic Tanushree Hansda, and Islamic scholar Md Mufti Abdul Matin joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Paul runs cricket academies nurturing grassroots talent, while Matin is linked to 86 madrasas across several districts. Hansda, an assistant professor and Santali writers' association member, works in tribal areas. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya emphasized the government's focus on empowering Scheduled Castes and Tribes and highlighted the 'Khelashree' sports scheme. West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29.