Ballygunge bypoll: CPIM's Saira Shah Halim says will fight for people's rights

Saira Shah Halim, who has been fielded as a CPI(M) candidate for the upcoming Ballygunge Assembly bypolls, said she will fight for the rights of the people.

Saira Shah Halim, the Left Front's candidate for the bypoll in Ballygunge, raised concerns over the unemployment issue in the assembly constituency in Bengal. Speaking with India Today TV on Thursday, Saira Shah Halim said, "I will fight for their rights."

Saira Shah Halim said the Communist Party of India (Marxist) nominated her as its candidate for the upcoming Ballygunge bypoll. She has been fielded against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and actor Babul Supriyo.

"There is lots of hope on me as CPI(M) has nominated me [as one of its candidates in the bypoll]. I am humbled by the trust my party has in me," Saira Shah Halim said.

"I don't want to be overconfident," Saira Shah Halim said.

Saira Shah Halim also said the CPI(M) has nominated many youth candidates. "They really fought well. It is going to be a mixup of old experiences and new ideas in this election," she said.

"Heavyweight or lightweight is not important. What is important is free elections," Saira Shah Halim said.

Saira Shah Halim, niece of actor Naseeruddin Shah, will be the face of CPI(M) for the Ballygunge seat.