Mamata Camp Backs Congress in Nandigram Bypoll After Candidate Withdraws Nomination
Public Lokpal
September 18, 2026
Mamata Camp Backs Congress in Nandigram Bypoll After Candidate Withdraws Nomination
The political landscape in West Bengal shifted dramatically as Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the candidate fielded by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction for the upcoming October 6 Nandigram assembly bypoll, abruptly withdrew her nomination.
Her exit came just hours after meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat, compounding a difficult week for the faction.
This setback followed a ruling by the Election Commission that stripped the group of the traditional Trinamool Congress name and symbol, allotting them the identity "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" instead.
Left without an official candidate in the high-profile constituency ahead of the withdrawal deadline, Mamata Banerjee announced a strategic pivot.
Citing the "greater interest of the nation," the camp decided to extend its backing to the Congress candidate to consolidate opposition strength in the crucial by-election.
The move marks a notable tactical alignment in a region historically defined by fierce multi-cornered rivalries, intensifying the electoral contest as parties gear up for the poll date.