A high-stakes battle for the Trinamool Congress's 'grass and twin-flowers' symbol has emerged as rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee prepare for the October 6 by-elections.

  • By-elections for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats are scheduled for October 6.
  • The TMC is split between Mamata Banerjee's loyalists and a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee.
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) must now decide who retains the official party symbol.
  • Mamata Banerjee may potentially contest to regain her seat in the State Assembly.

The political landscape of West Bengal is bracing for a volatile showdown as by-elections for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly seats approach on October 6. The contest has evolved into more than just a seat struggle; it is now a legal and political war over the identity of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Two warring factions—one led by party supremo Mamata Banerjee and the other by rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee—have both declared their intent to field candidates, leading to a critical dispute over the party's 'grass and twin-flowers' symbol.

The crisis stems from a massive internal hemorrhage within the TMC following a devastating performance in the 2026 Assembly polls. Out of 80 elected MLAs, more than 65 have distanced themselves from Mamata Banerjee, joining the rebel camp. Akhruzzaman, the Opposition Chief Whip, has explicitly stated that the rebel faction will claim the party symbol during nomination filing, threatening to contest as independents should the Election Commission of India (ECI) rule against them.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a local dispute but a fight for the very survival of the TMC as a cohesive entity. If the ECI awards the symbol to the rebel faction, it would deal a catastrophic blow to Mamata Banerjee's leadership and legitimacy. Conversely, a win for the loyalists would consolidate her power but leave the party numerically crippled in the Assembly.

The decision on the party symbol will act as a litmus test for the ECI's interpretation of party loyalty versus legislative majority in cases of mass defection.

The stakes are particularly high in Nandigram, where Mamata Banerjee suffered a narrow defeat in 2021. Speculations are rife that she may contest this seat to make a strategic comeback. Meanwhile, Rejinagar in Murshidabad, with its significant Muslim electorate, presents a strategic opportunity for the party chairperson to secure a victory if opposition parties consolidate their support.

The by-elections were triggered after Suvendu Adhikari vacated the Nandigram seat (having won both Bhabanipur and Nandigram) and Humayun Kabir of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) vacated Rejinagar. The AJUP has already moved to secure its position, with Golam Nabi Azad filing his nomination for the seat.

SeatPrevious WinnerPartyMargin of Victory
NandigramSuvendu AdhikariBJP9,665 votes
RejinagarHumayun KabirAJUP58,876 votes
Did You Know?: The 'grass and twin-flowers' symbol of the TMC was designed to represent the grassroots connection and the growth of the party in rural Bengal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the two main factions fighting for the TMC symbol?
The two factions are led by the party chairperson Mamata Banerjee and the rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee, along with a majority of the party's former MLAs.

When is the deadline for filing nominations for these by-polls?
The last date for filing nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections is September 16.