The political situation around the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls took another turn on Saturday after Rabiul Alam Chowdhury reversed his earlier decision to withdraw from the Rejinagar contest.
Chowdhury, the candidate backed by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress, had earlier said he would pull out of the election. He cited difficulties faced by party workers and problems in campaigning with the new election symbol allotted to the faction.
However, after discussions with Mamata Banerjee and other party leaders, Chowdhury decided to remain in the race. Reports also said that assurances regarding the security of party workers played a role in his decision to continue his campaign.
Candidate Raises Concerns Over New Party Symbol
The controversy began after the Election Commission allotted separate names and symbols to the two rival Trinamool Congress factions for the upcoming bypolls.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction was given the name ‘Mamata All India Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Football Player’ symbol. The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee was allotted the name ‘Democratic Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Envelope’ symbol.
Chowdhury had expressed concern that voters would have limited time to become familiar with the new party identity and symbol before polling.
He also claimed that party workers were facing pressure and were reluctant to take part in the campaign.
Nandigram Developments Add to Bypoll Tension
The Rejinagar episode came a day after the Mamata faction’s candidate in Nandigram, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, withdrew from the contest.
Following her withdrawal, Mamata Banerjee announced support for Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram as part of an effort to strengthen the INDIA bloc.
However, Pradhan was subsequently arrested by West Bengal Police in connection with an old case linked to the 2007 Nandigram land agitation. Congress leaders questioned the timing of the arrest, while the BJP said the police action was related to pending legal cases.
The developments have added to the political activity surrounding the two Assembly bypolls.
Rejinagar and Nandigram to Vote on October 6
The Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies are scheduled to vote on October 6, with counting set for October 9.
With Chowdhury now deciding to stay in the Rejinagar contest, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction continues its electoral campaign there despite the challenges created by the Election Commission’s decision on the party name and symbol.
