There was speculation that the TMC supremo, who has faced a massive rebellion within her party following its stunning defeat in the Assembly polls, may contest the Nandigram bypoll to seek a return to the House. For the first time in 15 years, Mamata Banerjee will not be seen in the West Bengal Assembly.
But on Sunday, the ‘Kalighat Trinamool’ (Mamata faction) announced Sanchita Pradhan Dey as its candidate for Nandigram. But with the Trinamool Congress announcing Sanchita Pradhan Dey as its Nandigram candidate, that speculation has now been put to rest.
“All India Trinamool Congress, under the guidance and inspiration of our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt Mamata Banerjee, is pleased to announce the candidates for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections,” the AITC said in a post on X.
By-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar are scheduled for the first week of October. Former Bengal minister Akhil Giri’s recent visit to Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence had also triggered speculation about his name as a possible front-runner for the Nandigram ticket. The party’s choice of candidate is surprising given the emotional and political significance of Nandigram for Mamata Banerjee. Instead of relying on a prominent leader, the TMC chief has placed her trust in a relatively fresh face for the contest.
This will mark the second round of the electoral battle between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress since the 2026 Assembly election. It was on the back of the Nandigram movement in 2007 that Mamata Banerjee rode to power in Bengal in 2011.
