Mamata Banerjee backs Congress in Nandigram by‑poll; TMC names Congress leader causing friction
Mamata Banerjee has thrown her weight behind the Congress candidate for the Nandigram assembly by‑poll, a move that comes as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) navigates a complex set‑up of alliance talks and internal disputes.
Mamata Banerjee's support to Congress
In a surprising development, the TMC chief confirmed that the party will support the Congress contender for the Nandigram seat, where voting is scheduled for 6 October and results are expected on 9 October. The endorsement arrives at a time when reports suggested that the TMC had offered a coalition partnership to the Congress, an overture that was reportedly turned down.
Kalyan Banerjee on a national alliance
Senior TMC leader and Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee clarified the party’s stance during a recent interview. He said the INDIA alliance is functioning and that all constituent parties are cooperating. While he noted that Mamata had asked the Congress to take the lead in the alliance, he added that a positive response had not yet been received. Banerjee praised Rahul Gandhi’s work and mentioned that Gandhi remains in contact with the TMC chief.
Adhir Ranjan Choudhary emerges as point of contention
According to Banerjee, the most significant obstacle the Congress faces in West Bengal is the presence of Adhir Ranjan Choudhary. He described Choudhary as a politician whose sole focus appears to be opposing Mamata Banerjee, rather than taking a broader stance against the BJP or the CPM. Banerjee suggested that Choudhary’s actions are indirectly aiding the BJP in the state and creating additional difficulties for the Congress.
Praise for Rahul Gandhi
Banerjee also lauded Rahul Gandhi, asserting that a genuine coalition cannot materialise until Congress leaders move beyond a narrow mindset. He expressed confidence that Gandhi is keen on the INDIA alliance and is willing to work with the TMC, despite opposition from figures like Choudhary who are perceived to be aligned with the BJP.
Legal tussle over TMC symbols
The TMC’s branding has also been under scrutiny. The Election Commission has re‑registered the party as “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and assigned it a new election symbol resembling a football. After the split of the Arup Roy faction, the original TMC name and its two‑flower symbol were frozen, preventing any faction from using them in the upcoming by‑polls. The matter has been taken to the Supreme Court, where a petition also names Ritabrata Banerjee as a defendant. The court has yet to schedule a hearing.
Election timetable
The Nandigram and Rajarhat‑Gopalpur by‑polls will be held on 6 October, with vote counting slated for 9 October as per the Election Commission’s schedule. The outcome will be closely watched for indications of how the TMC‑Congress dynamics and the broader INDIA alliance are shaping up ahead of the next general election.