Already 'outsider' tag in the polls: strategy to defeat Rumin Farhana
Already 'outsider' tag in the polls: strategy to defeat Rumin Farhana
Internal party conflict around elections is nothing new in Bangladeshi politics. Tension, maneuvering and competition are normal in the nomination process, especially when there are multiple strong candidates in a seat. However, this time there is an extensive discussion within the BNP on the strategy of candidates for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail and Ashuganj) constituencies. Barrister Rumin Farhana, Co-Editor of International Affairs of the Central Committee and former Member of Parliament 'External' tag Local candidates are trying to fight with.
Candidates united on external issues
Barrister Rumin Farhana is seeking the nomination of BNP from Brahmanbaria-2 constituency in the upcoming 13th National Assembly elections. She is an accomplished lawyer, known as the voice of women in Parliament and particularly influential in the party arena. But the local candidates think that Rumin Farhana has no close relationship with the soil and people of Sarail and Ashuganj. Due to this reason, if he is nominated in the election, acceptance by the people may decrease.
Keeping this argument in front, 7 candidates hoping for nomination of BNP in Brahmanbaria-2 constituencies held a meeting at a restaurant in Ashuganj on September 27. There they clearly say - "No one except a permanent resident can be given the symbol of a grain of rice in this seat." In other words, there is an attempt to exclude Rumin Farhana from the nomination contest by calling her an outsider.
An old style of political strategy
The 'outsider' issue is not new in Bangladeshi politics. Such complaints have been heard in many constituencies in the past. Usually, when politically influential leaders or centrally known persons seek nomination in a district, local people resist them as candidates from outside. Because local politicians feel that even after years of working alongside the people, they do not get nominated, while a central leader comes in the election season and contests on the party symbol.
The same strategy is being applied to Rumin Farhana. Although he is popular nationally and has a strong presence in the media, his acceptance and relationship with locals is being questioned.
Location of Rumin Farhana
Rumin Farhana was elected Member of Parliament from BNP reserved women seat in 2019. He has an illustrious career as a lawyer, delivering party speeches at national and international levels. Moreover, she is one of the most well-known faces among women in BNP. As a result, the central leadership may want to see him as a strong candidate in Brahmanbaria-2 seat.
However, the local candidates say that no external candidate can replace the relationship they have with the people of Sarail and Ashuganj for a long time in their political life. That is why they joined the movement.
Attitudes of voters
The general electorate of the seat sees the conflict differently. According to some, an outsider, if the candidate is strong, educated and nationally known, he can play a role in the development of the constituency. On the other hand, many people think that there is no alternative without local representatives to solve local problems and gain people's trust.
The tension between these two positions could affect the electoral field. In particular, the decision of the BNP's nomination board could bring about a major change in the political equation of the constituency.
Local versus central conflict
The situation in Brahmanbaria-II seat is clearly a reflection of local and central conflict. On the one hand, local leaders are making excuses for their sacrifices and long political struggle. On the other hand, if the party wants to send a positive message at the national level by fielding a centrally popular candidate, then external issues may not be effective.
Crisis of party unity
The real challenge for BNP is to overcome internal divisions and unite in this seat. Because local unity is essential to fight on election day. If the candidates are divided and there is unannounced resistance against the nominated candidate, it will be difficult for the party symbol to get votes.
Possible effects
1. Nomination Crisis: If Rumin Farhana gets the nomination, the ire of the rest of the candidates will increase.
2. Vote Split: There will be a possibility of vote splitting due to different positions of local leaders.
3. Public confidence: This issue of foreigners versus locals will create mixed reactions among the public.
4. Party Image: A prolonged conflict could have a negative impact on the overall image of the BNP.
Barrister Rumin Farhana's nomination question for Brahmanbaria-2 seat is now a big topic of discussion within BNP. The unity of local candidates on external issues has put him under pressure, but the final decision will be taken by the party high-ups. This clash of local emotions and central strategies will not only test Rumin Farhana's political future, but also the BNP's grassroots unity in the upcoming national elections.
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