Mamata Banerjee’s Nandigram Setback: Sanchita Pradhan Withdraws as TMC Factions Lose Party Name, Symbol

Mamata Banerjee’s faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has suffered a fresh setback ahead of the October 6 Nandigram Assembly by-election, with its candidate Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) withdrawing her nomination on Friday, September 18. The withdrawal leaves the faction without a candidate in the constituency, adding another development to the political contest ahead of the bypoll.

The decision came hours after the Election Commission of India (ECI) stripped both rival TMC factions of the party’s name and its traditional “Flowers and Grass” election symbol, allotting them separate identities and symbols.

Banerjee subsequently announced that her faction would extend support to Congress in Nandigram and the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam, saying the decision was taken in the “greater interest of the nation”.

“We are extending our support to Congress in Nandigram and Assam. We are doing this for the greater interest of the nation,” Banerjee said while addressing a press conference.

Why Did Sanchita Pradhan Withdraw From Nandigram?

Sanchita Pradhan (Dey), who had been announced as the candidate of Banerjee’s faction for the Nandigram by-election, withdrew her nomination on Friday. According to reports, she took the decision after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna, accompanied by her husband, Satyajit.

With her withdrawal, Banerjee’s faction has no candidate remaining in the Nandigram contest. Congress has fielded Milan Pradhan, the CPI has nominated Shanti Gopal Giri, and the BJP’s candidate is Hasirani Rath.

The development follows the ECI’s interim order barring the rival factions from using the TMC name and its traditional election symbol for the upcoming bypolls. The commission had directed both groups to submit alternative names and symbols.

What Are the New Names and Symbols of the Rival TMC Factions?

The Election Commission allotted the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol to the faction led by Mamata Banerjee.

The rival faction led by Arup Roy was allotted the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol. Both groups will be treated as recognised political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura.

The interim order came a day after the commission barred the factions from using the TMC name and traditional symbol, requiring them to submit alternative choices ahead of the bypolls.

Banerjee’s faction had announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) as its candidate for Nandigram and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury for Rejinagar last week.

Why Is the Nandigram By-Election Being Held?

The Nandigram Assembly seat fell vacant after Suvendu Adhikari gave up the constituency and chose to retain Bhabanipur, where he defeated TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The Rejinagar seat became vacant following the resignation of Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir, who had also won from Nowda.

For Rejinagar, Banerjee’s faction has fielded Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, while Congress has nominated Mohd. Abdullahil Kafi and the CPI(M) has fielded Advocate Sayeed Asad Ali.

Polling for the Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes set for October 9.