Kolkata/IBNS, June 23 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken an early lead in the Kaliganj bypoll, which is closely-watched with less than a year left for the next assembly elections.

As per the trends, TMC candidate Alifa Ahmed is leading with around 28,000 votes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are fighting closely for the second spot.

BJP's Ashish Ghosh and Left-supported Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh are fighting to become the runner up with over 11,000 votes.

Speaking to the media, Leader of Opposition and BJP strongman Suvendu Adhikari said, "As far as I have gathered information, the Muslim votes are being divided between TMC and Congress in the 70:30 ratio. The ...