TMC Split Deepens: Rival Factions Prepare For Bengal Bypolls Amid Symbol Row

Two rival factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are preparing for bypolls to the Rejinagar and Nandigram assembly constituencies, with uncertainty continuing over which group will receive the party’s election symbol. The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for October 6, with counting set for October 9. The nomination process is underway, adding urgency to the dispute over candidates and party representation.

The faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, which describes itself as the “real TMC”, has said it will contest both constituencies. Former state minister Firhad Hakim said the group is confident of winning the two seats. Akhruzzaman, the faction’s chief whip in the state assembly, said its working committee would meet to finalise candidates. The rival camp led by Mamata Banerjee has so far remained cautious about publicly announcing its choices.

The bypolls are expected to become an important test of political strength for both factions, particularly because the Election Commission’s decision on the party symbol could influence the contest. Veteran TMC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay alleged that the BJP could use administrative machinery to influence the elections. A leader from the Mamata Banerjee camp also acknowledged that finding a strong candidate for Nandigram could be difficult, given the constituency’s political significance.

Also Read: Noida Student Served Rs 5 Lakh Peace-Bond Notice Over Protest, Order Later Revoked

Nandigram remains particularly important for the TMC because Mamata Banerjee lost the constituency to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the 2021 assembly election. Several potential candidates have reportedly been discussed, although some prominent local leaders have declined to contest. In Rejinagar, former TMC legislator Humayun Kabir has also indicated that the contest could involve strong community-based political mobilisation, adding another dimension to the election.

The political backdrop has become more complicated following the TMC’s poor performance in the Falta bypoll, where the BJP won by a substantial margin and the TMC finished fourth. Analysts believe the results in Rejinagar and Nandigram could provide an indication of which faction has greater organisational strength and public support. The contests could also influence the political strategies of the Left and Congress, which may seek to build on their performance in recent elections.

Political observers say the dispute over the TMC symbol will remain central to the upcoming contests. The bypoll results could have consequences beyond the two constituencies, particularly for the forthcoming municipal elections in Kolkata and other districts. With nominations being filed and both factions preparing their campaigns, Rejinagar and Nandigram are set to become closely watched tests of the TMC’s internal power struggle.

Also Read: ED Raids 15-Plus Locations Linked to Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi in Excise Probe