Shahjahan Sheikh, known as “Bhai,” is a prominent figure in the local political landscape and a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), have a look at his wife and net worth
In the heart of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district lies Sandeshkhali which is a region marred by escalating conflicts and allegations of exploitation. Sandeshkhali is in the limelight because of Shahjahan Sheikh.
Who is TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh accused of Sandeshkhali, West Bengal violence, biography, age, wife, education, net worth
42-year-old Shahjahan Sheikh initially toiled as a part-time worker in the fisheries and brick kilns of Sandeshkhali. His journey into politics commenced in 2004 when he assumed the role of a union leader, advocating for the rights of laborers. Details about his family and educational background remain unknown and neither is his marital status known.
People who win on the vote-bank of the religion of lust & fear
Eventually are corrupted by them, to become like them !!The story of Sheikh Shahjahan who built this Taj Mahal for #MamataBanerjee to 'Waste Bengal' !!
😒😡🤬 pic.twitter.com/CLI7Vlo2xp
— Wondering Woman 🇮🇳 (@indiclogic) February 14, 2024
Despite beginning his political career affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Sheikh transitioned to the TMC fold in 2012, drawn by the allure of its burgeoning influence in West Bengal.
Renowned for his impassioned oratory and adept organizational prowess, Sheikh swiftly ascended within the TMC ranks, earning the trust and mentorship of key party figures such as Mukul Roy and Jyotipriyo Mullick. His meteoric rise culminated in his appointment as the deputy head of the Sarberia Agarhati gram panchayat in 2018, cementing his position as a formidable force in local politics.
However, Sheikh’s tenure has not been devoid of controversy. Accusations of criminal activities and exploitation have dogged his reputation, with allegations ranging from money laundering to sexual abuse. The recent Enforcement Directorate raid on his residence in connection with a public distribution system scam further fueled speculation about his involvement in illicit activities.
The specter of violence looms large over Sandeshkhali, with Sheikh often cast as a central figure in the region’s tumultuous landscape. Following the contentious Lok Sabha elections in June 2019, clashes between supporters of the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) erupted, resulting in tragic fatalities on both sides. Sheikh found himself entangled in the aftermath, named in a murder FIR filed in connection with the incident, further tarnishing his already controversial image.
Despite these allegations, Sheikh maintains a complex persona in Sandeshkhali. Revered by some as a benefactor and protector, he is seen as a beacon of hope in a community grappling with socio-economic challenges.
To others, however, he is viewed with suspicion and fear, accused of perpetuating a “reign of terror” and exploiting vulnerable segments of society, particularly women from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
In the midst of escalating tensions, political rhetoric has reached a fever pitch, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between rival parties. Union Minister Smriti Irani’s condemnation of Mamata Banerjee, alleging deliberate attacks on young married Hindu women in Sandeshkhali, underscores the volatile nature of the situation.
Shahjahan Sheikh’s net worth
Shahjahan is listed as the owner of 17 cars, 43 bighas of land, or around 23 acres, and jewellery valued at nearly ₹ 2 crore in documents filed for the panchayat elections. He had around ₹ 2 crore in his bank account. ‘Business’ was the strongman’s stated occupation, and he had an annual salary of around ₹ 20 lakh.