Trinamool Factions Seek Official Recognition Ahead Of Bypolls, Mamata Contesting Again In Focus

The political spotlight in West Bengal has turned to the ongoing tussle between two Trinamool Congress factions seeking official recognition from the Election Commission, even as questions grow over whether party founder Mamata Banerjee will contest the upcoming Assembly by-elections. The poll body has given both groups an opportunity to present their claims over the original party name and election symbol.

One faction is led by Mamata Banerjee and is often referred to as the “Kalighat Trinamool”, while the other is headed by former Left leader Ritabrata Banerjee. The Election Commission’s decision assumes importance ahead of by-elections to two Assembly constituencies that were left vacant after the respective winning candidates resigned. The repoll is scheduled for October 6, with nominations closing shortly before the election.

The two constituencies are Rejinagar and Nandigram. Rejinagar fell vacant after Humayun Kabir resigned while retaining his Naoda seat, while Nandigram was vacated by Suvendu Adhikari after he shifted to Bhabanipur. Adhikari had defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021, forcing her to later seek election from Bhabanipur to continue as Chief Minister.

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Kabir has already invited Mamata Banerjee to contest from Rejinagar, claiming that he could ensure her victory from the constituency. He was previously associated with the Trinamool Congress but was suspended after his decision to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid at Rejinagar in Murshidabad district. He later launched the Aam Janata Unnayan Party and contested from two constituencies simultaneously.

The Ritabrata faction, meanwhile, has indicated that it would not field a candidate in Nandigram if Mamata Banerjee decided to contest there. Ritabrata, who is now the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has also backed the proposal. However, Mamata Banerjee and her camp have not conclusively announced whether she will contest the by-elections.

The political calculations around Nandigram could become significant if the Ritabrata faction stays out of the contest, as the BJP could benefit from the absence of another candidate capable of dividing votes opposed to Mamata Banerjee. The faction itself is reportedly facing challenges after its election defeat, with several leaders, MPs and MLAs crossing over, while arrests and legal proceedings have also affected figures associated with the party, including Abhishek Banerjee.

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