Who is he: Rukbanur Rahman, elder brother of Rizwanur Rahman

Political affiliation: Trinamul Congress

Age: 42

Occupation: Used to work with a private firm, now a “social worker”

Qualification: MSc

Home and family: Stays in a small house in Tiljala Lane with his mother, divorced sister, wife and two daughters

Why is he contesting: “People of the area supported my family and took active part in the movement demanding justice for Rizwanur. Now, I want to work for their betterment.”

Poll plank: “Waterlogging and supply of drinking water are the two major problems in the ward, where nearly 60 per cent people live in bustees. Lack of schools and healthcare centres are the other problems.”

Stand on the Rizwanur issue: “I still believe my brother was murdered and my family is fighting for justice. He was a victim of conspiracy by the Todis and police.”

On the battle within the family: “It is an embarrassment. I tried to persuade my uncle not to contest against me but he didn’t listen. I parted ways because my uncle joined hands with our enemies.”

His opponents: “My uncle is a dummy candidate for the RSP and does not stand a chance. He is only contesting to split my votes. My fight is with the current councillor, Sushil Kumar Sharma of the RSP.”

 

Who is he: Akilur Rahman, uncle of Rizwanur and Rukbanur Rahman

Political affiliation: Independent candidate

Age: 53

Occupation: Was a trader, now a “social worker”

Qualification: Studied till Class IX

Home and family: Stays in a small house adjoining Rukbanur’s in Tiljala Lane with his wife, three daughters and two sons

Why is he contesting: “People are not happy with Rukbanur as he is trying to become a political leader by cashing in on his brother’s death. He does not have any regard for people who stood by his family in trying times and is driven by lust for power.”

Poll plank: “I want to work for the all-round development of the area. The poor face a lot of problems daily in the absence of enough civic amenities. I know their problems and will do my best to solve them.”

Stand on the Rizwanur issue: “Rizwanur was killed and we are all seeking justice for him but Rukbanur used his brother’s death to join a political party.”

On the battle within the family: “I was with Rukbanur through the worst of times. He should not have joined a political party. I want to teach him a lesson by defeating him.”

His opponents: “Rukbanur is an opportunist and has become greedy. My main opponent is Sushil Kumar Sharma from the RSP.”

Ward Watch

Area: Syed Amir Ali Avenue to Topsia canal and Ballygunge Phari to Samsul Huda Road

Number of voters: Around 57,000

Councillor: Sushil Kumar Sharma of the RSP, also the mayoral council member (lighting)

Also in the fray: Sharma, Biswajit Dey of the Congress

Notable resident: Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee