Bengal Politics: West Bengal has witnessed a series of political developments over the last 24 hours, just 17 days before the October 6 Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. The latest twist came on Saturday when Trinamool Congress candidate for Rejinagar Rabiul Alam Chowdhury reversed his decision to withdraw from the contest, hours after announcing his exit. His decision came after direct intervention by party chief Mamata Banerjee and highlighted the pressure on the faction to ensure that its candidates remain in the contest after the Election Commission's decision to freeze the original TMC name and symbol.

Candidate Resigns, Mamata Steps In

Speaking to reporters Chowdhury said he reversed his decision after speaking to Banerjee. "I am reversing my decision to withdraw my candidature at Mamata Banerjee's behest. I will contest the election. I reconsidered my decision after Mamata Banerjee spoke to me," he said. His return is considered significant for the Mamata-led faction, which has faced a series of setbacks and sudden developments just days before the bypolls.

Here’s what all has happened in last 24 hours in West Bengal politics:

Nandigram TMC Candidate Withdraws

The entire episode began on Friday, after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate fielded by the Mamata faction for Nandigram withdrew her nomination. Her decision came after she met West Bengal Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. A photograph purportedly showing the two together circulated on social media. However, its authenticity could not be independently confirmed.

Following Pradhan's withdrawal, the Mamata faction was left without a candidate just as the nomination withdrawal deadline approached. The development was significant as Nandigram has been a constituency closely associated with the political rivalry between Banerjee and Adhikari.

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Mamata Backs Congress Candidate

As a result, Banerjee announced support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll. However, the development was followed by another major setback when Milan was arrested by the police in connection with old cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram land agitation.

The arrest triggered a political confrontation, with the Congress and Banerjee’s faction questioning its timing and alleging political vendetta. However, the BJP and the police have rejected such allegations.

TMC Name And Symbol Frozen

These developments come amid an unprecedented dispute within the Trinamool Congress. On Thursday, the ECI had frozen the use of the All India Trinamool Congress name and the party's traditional grass-and-twin-flowers symbol for the two rival factions.

Following these developments, the Election Commission on Friday allotted new identities to the two groups. The faction led by Banerjee has been given the name "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" and the football player symbol, while the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has been allotted the name "Democratic Trinamool Congress" and the envelope symbol.

Mamata Calls Development A 'Black Day'

Banerjee strongly opposed the ECI’s decision, calling it a "black day" in India's democratic history. She alleged that the action was "unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic" and part of a politically motivated attempt to weaken her organisation. The faction has challenged the ECI’s decision in the Supreme Court.

Rebel Faction's Offer To Mamata

Amid the developments, the rival TMC faction has also made an offer regarding Nandigram. Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee said his faction would withdraw its candidate from the seat if Banerjee decided to contest Nandigram herself, even as an independent candidate.

What Next For Mamata?

With Chowdhury now back in the race, the Mamata faction will have a candidate in Rejinagar, while in Nandigram it is supporting the Congress candidate. For Banerjee, the biggest challenge will be to popularise the newly assigned symbol and party name before the October 6 by-elections.

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