Bobby's biggest worry: The enemy within

Kolkata: A number of factors can adversely affect Firhad Hakim's plans in his quest to win back the Port constituency but subterfuge can hurt his prospects the most, local Trinamool workers feel.
Both the Port segment and its MLA Firhad Hakim have been embroiled in several controversies in the past five years. From rampant illegal construction to spike in crime, Port has had an eventful term.It's MLA, a minister, has found himself on a sticky wicket many a times - from shielding councillor Mohammed Iqbal, accused in the shooting of a sub-inspector, to featuring in Narada video.
The complex port politics is dominated by satraps who control their areas and extend support to candidates in lieu of favours. In most cases their interests clash with each other. "Nothing will harm the party's prospect more than infighting. Several 'area leaders' have mushroomed who are always at loggerheads with each other. Managing them will be Bobby-da's biggest challenge," said a Trinamool leader in Garden Reach.
Hakim had cut his teeth as a Trinamool activist in Chetla and stepped into port politics in 2010, when Mamata Banerjee experimented with a young leader from the minority community to take on Ram Pyare Ram, a big name in Port. Though the complex politics of Port was unfamiliar to Hakim, the "Mamata wave" had added wind to his sails and Trinamool managed to open account in area by winning four out of eight wards in 2010. Hakim reaped the reward next year as Mamata fielded him in the assembly polls. Hakim won by over 20,000 votes with strong leads from wards 133 and 134, where Iqbal's writ runs.
The obliged Hakim tried to repay his debt in the aftermath of the murder of the police officer outside a college. Police sources said the minister tried his best to keep Iqbal and other Trinamool operatives out of the scope of investigation.
Bobby is challenged by Rakesh Singh, a political novice, who is known for his heartland ways of politics. "It is better you vote for me. Bobby Hakim may go to jail if he is found guilty. Do not waste your vote," Rakesh is telling the voters.