Mamata’s Backing of Congress in Nandigram Bypoll Signals Possible Reset in Bengal Opposition Politics
Banerjee called Congress a natural ally as the move aimed to strengthen the INDIA bloc and prevent a split in the anti-BJP vote.
- On Friday, September 18, 2026, Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, reversing decades of political rivalry between the two parties.
- The Election Commission froze the Trinamool Congress' traditional name and 'Jora Ghash Phul' symbol amid internal disputes, prompting Banerjee to withdraw her faction's nominee before backing the Congress candidate.
- Banerjee described Congress as a 'sister party' and 'natural ally' to strengthen the INDIA bloc against the BJP, though observers note her faction faces unprecedented organisational pressure.
- Bengal Pradesh Congress president Subhankar Sarkar welcomed the support, saying it could 'open up a new political path,' while veteran leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury urged caution regarding immediate rapprochement.
- Shortly after Banerjee's announcement, authorities arrested Pradhan in connection with a 2007 Nandigram land agitation case, complicating the bypoll as both parties navigate this tactical arrangement against the BJP.
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12 Articles
Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
Mamata’s backing of Cong in Nandigram bypoll signals possible reset in Bengal opposition politics
Kolkata, Sep 20 (PTI) Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s support to the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll is a striking reversal of decades of political rivalry, observers feel, signalling a possible recalibration of opposition politics in the state at a time when the TMC is battling its deepest organisational crisis. Banerjee’s […]
Mamata’s backing of Congress in Nandigram bypoll signals possible reset in Bengal opposition politics
Mamata Banerjee’s support for the Congress represents both an attempt to prevent division of the anti-BJP vote and a political response to an unusually difficult moment for her faction
Mamata backs Congress in Nandigram, hints at Bengal opposition reset
Kolkata: Former West Bengal chief minister’s support to the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll is a striking reversal of decades of political rivalry, observers feel, signalling a possible recalibration of opposition politics in the state at a time when the TMC is battling its deepest organisational crisis. Banerjee‘s decision to back Milan Pradhan … Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sport…
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