Full Breakdown
TMC Factions Set Candidate Line-up for Nandigram and Rejinagar By-polls Amid Symbol Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 13 2026, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) announced its candidates for the Assembly by-polls in West Bengal’s Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies: Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) for Nandigram and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar. Voting is set for October 6 2026, with results on October 9 2026. The faction also named Abdul Salam for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-poll in Assam.
Background & Context
The by-polls were triggered after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vacated Nandigram, having retained Bhabanipur, and after Humayun Kabir of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party gave up Rejinagar. The TMC, which suffered a decisive defeat in the 2026 state election, retained only 80 MLAs; more than 65 are reported to have aligned with rival leader Ritabrata Banerjee, who claims the party’s name, assets and the “jora phool” symbol. Both camps are seeking Election Commission recognition.
Timeline
- June 3 2026 – Assembly speaker recognises 58 rebel TMC legislators as the principal opposition.
- September 13 2026 – Mamata-led faction announces candidates.
- September 16 2026 – Nomination filing deadline.
- September 17 2026 – EC hearing on the symbol dispute (if required).
- September 19 2026 – Last date to withdraw nominations.
- October 6 2026 – Voting.
- October 9 2026 – Counting and result announcement.
Data & Statistics
- 80 MLAs remained with TMC; >65 are reported to have sided with the Ritabrata Banerjee faction.
- The by-polls involve two West Bengal Assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat in Assam.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kalyan Banerjee, TMC MP, said the EC has asked both factions to appear on September 16 and 17 and affirmed the Mamata-led camp will use the “jora phool” symbol.
- Ritabrata Banerjee, Leader of Opposition, said the EC will decide the symbol and his group is ready to contest as independents if needed.
- The Election Commission of India invited final submissions by 3:00 pm on September 16 2026 and noted a possible hearing on September 17 2026.
Criticism & Opposition
Dr Santanu Sen, spokesperson for the Ritabrata Banerjee faction, warned that the recent shift toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raises questions about TMC’s relevance after its 2026 defeat.
Why It Matters / Impact
The by-polls are the first test of the two competing TMC claimants. The EC’s decision on the party name and symbol will affect ballot listings and could influence the distribution of anti-BJP votes. A split vote may benefit the BJP, which now dominates the state legislature.
What’s Next
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is natural for a political party to contest elections. What needs to be seen is how the people, who rejected a party three months ago and welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will express their disapproval once again.” — Dr Santanu Sen, spokesperson of the rival faction.