Mamata-led Trinamool Congress names candidates for bypolls
The Trinamool Congress has announced candidates for upcoming bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar amid an ongoing internal factional dispute. The party is currently divided between two groups, both of which are seeking official recognition from the Election Commission for the party symbol.
Why it matters
The internal split and the bypoll results could significantly impact the political landscape and opposition unity in West Bengal.
Ending speculation that former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee may contest the upcoming Assembly bypolls, the Trinamool Congress on Sunday (September 13, 2026) announced candidates for Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies.
The Mamata-led faction has fielded Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) from Nandigram and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury from Rejinagar. Elections to the two constituencies in south Bengal are scheduled for October 6.
The party had also announced that Adbul Salam will be contesting polls from the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam. The Mamata-led faction decided to announce candidates a day after the other faction of the party led by Ritabrata Banerjee said it would not field candidates if Ms. Banerjee decided to contest from Nandigram.
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2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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