Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction of the Trinamool Congress has named its candidates for the October 6 by‑elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, marking the first major electoral test after the party’s 2026 defeat. The move intensifies the intra‑party clash over the party name, organization and election symbol.

  • Ritabrata Banerjee’s camp fields Mohammad Eteshamul Haque in Nandigram and Safiuzzaman Sheikh in Rejinagar.
  • Mamata‑led TMC nominates Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) for Nandigram and former MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar.
  • The two factions continue to battle the Election Commission over the party’s name, organisational assets and the ‘Jora Ghash Phool’ symbol.

On Monday, September 14, the rebel Trinamool Congress faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee announced its candidates for the upcoming October 6 by‑polls in West Bengal. Mohammad Eteshamul Haque will contest Nandigram in Purba Medinipur, while Safiuzzaman Sheikh has been slated for Rejinagar in Murshidabad.

This decision is significant as it represents the first major electoral showdown for the breakaway group since the TMC’s loss in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Earlier, the Ritabrata camp had said it would not field a candidate in Nandigram if Mamata Banerjee herself contested the seat.

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With Mamata Banerjee opting out, her faction moved forward, naming newcomer Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) for Nandigram and former MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar. Both camps now vie for the same “Jora Ghash Phool” symbol, prompting a fresh legal tussle before the Election Commission.

Historical Background

The split within the All India Trinamool Congress accelerated after the party’s unexpected defeat in the 2026 state elections. Ritabrata Banerjee, once a close aide to Mamata, broke away citing disagreements over leadership, party assets, and the iconic twin‑flower symbol. Since then, parallel organisational structures have emerged, each claiming legitimacy.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the split not only jeopardizes TMC’s ability to present a united front against the BJP, but also creates a precedent for intra‑party disputes escalating into legal battles over symbols and assets, potentially reshaping West Bengal’s political landscape.

"If the two TMC factions fail to reconcile, the BJP could exploit the division to make significant inroads in the state," says political analyst Ajay Singh.
Did You Know?: Nandigram has been a symbolic stronghold for TMC since its 2007 victory, often cited as the party’s grassroots rallying point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the Election Commission resolve the naming and symbol dispute before the by‑polls?

A: The Commission is currently hearing both sides and is expected to issue a final ruling shortly.

Q2: How might this split affect the BJP’s prospects in the by‑polls?

A: While the BJP aims to capitalize on the TMC’s fragmentation, the party’s entrenched voter base in both constituencies remains a decisive factor.