Bengal Bypolls: TMC’s Internal Battle Moves to Ballot Box in Nandigram, Rejinagar

The factional battle within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday with the rebel group led by Ritabrata Banerjee announcing candidates for the upcoming bypolls to Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats in West Bengal.

The rebel faction nominated Mohammad Eteshamul Haque from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur and Safiuzzaman Sheikh from Rejinagar in Murshidabad. Ritabrata said his group would contest under the All India Trinamool Congress name and use the party's “Jora Ghash Phool” (twin flowers on grass) symbol.

The announcement comes as the two rival factions have approached the Election Commission (EC), each claiming the TMC's name, organisational control, assets and election symbol. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction had earlier fielded Sanchita Pradhan Dey from Nandigram and former MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury from Rejinagar. The possibility of rival candidates seeking the same party identity and symbol has added an unusual dimension to the October 6 bypolls.

The EC heard both sides on Saturday and subsequently sought additional documents. The factions have been asked to submit the material by September 16, the nomination deadline. A further hearing or meeting could take place on September 17.

If the dispute remains unresolved before polling, the commission could freeze the symbol temporarily and require the factions to contest under separate names and symbols. Alternatively, one group could retain the symbol while the other is assigned a different electoral identity.

Ritabrata said his faction had earlier been prepared to withdraw from Nandigram if Mamata Banerjee contested the seat. With her not entering the race, the rebel group decided to field Haque. The bypolls are significant for both factions as they seek to establish their electoral support and claim to the TMC's political legacy following the party's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.

Nandigram, historically important to the TMC's rise, became vacant after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari won the seat and subsequently relinquished it. Rejinagar fell vacant after Humayun Kabir vacated the constituency. The BJP is also in the contest and is expected to seek political advantage from the TMC's internal division. Counting for the bypolls will take place on October 9.