In a major political shift that could reshape the upcoming Nandigraam assembly bypoll in West Bengal, the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Ritabrata Banerjee has publicly declared that it will withdraw its candidate if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chooses to contest from the constituency.
Ritabrata Banerjee confirmed during a press interaction that his group has already nearly finalised its candidate for the bypoll. However, he stated unequivocally that the name would be withdrawn immediately if Mamata Banerjee enters the fray. "We want to see Mamata Banerjee back in the state legislature. It would be far better for her to contest from Nandigraam," Ritabrata said.
The development comes at a politically sensitive moment. In the 2021 assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee herself lost the Nandigraam seat to Shubhendu Adhikari, a former TMC leader who broke away to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The loss was a rare personal electoral setback for the Trinamool chief and has remained a sore point within the party.
Analysts suggest that the rebel faction's offer could be interpreted as an indirect invitation to Mamata to reclaim her lost stronghold. If she accepts, the bypoll could transform into a direct contest between the TMC supremo and the current MP or BJP-aligned candidate holding the seat.
Ritabrata also hinted that even if Mamata were to contest as an independent candidate, his faction would still step aside and not field a rival. The comments have sparked fresh speculation about whether the CM is considering a return to the constituency she once represented.
The Nandigraam bypoll is expected to serve as a key barometer of political mood in West Bengal ahead of future electoral cycles. With the TMC internally navigating factional tensions and the BJP consolidating its presence in the state, the outcome of this bypoll could carry disproportionate symbolic and strategic weight.
