TMC rebels say won't field candidate if Mamata contests Nandigram
What's the story
Mamata Banerjee potentially running for the assembly bypoll in Nandigram is evolving into what might be a breakthrough or a challenge between the two factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The rebel faction of the party has said they will not field a candidate if West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chooses to contest from Nandigram. This comes as a tussle over the party symbol has reached the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Political dynamics
Ritabrata says candidate selection has been decided
Ritabrata Banerjee, the leader of the rebel faction, said their candidate selection has been decided collectively but not announced yet.
He also took a jibe at Mamata's electoral record, saying she never wins normal elections but wins by-elections.
"We also want Mamata Banerjee to come to the assembly," he added.
This comes after most TMC MLAs broke away and chose Ritabrata as Leader of Opposition following a party rout.
Constituency importance
Nandigram is a crucial constituency for Mamata
Nandigram is a crucial constituency for Banerjee, as her anti-land acquisition movement there helped the TMC defeat the Left Front in 2011.
However, she lost to Suvendu Adhikari in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in recent elections.
Akhruzzaman, another rebel faction member, highlighted Mamata's past defeats in Nandigram and extended an offer to her if she decides to contest the bypoll.
Other bypolls
Rejinagar seat will also go to polls
Apart from Nandigram, the Rejinagar seat will also go to polls after former TMC leader Humayun Kabir resigned.
Kabir had won both Rejinagar and Naoda but chose to retain Naoda.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed confidence in winning these bypolls irrespective of who contests on the TMC symbol.