Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Nandigram Bypoll Puts Trinamool Name, Symbol Dispute Center Stage
Nandigram is holding a new election because Suvendu Adhikari gave up the seat.
The election will happen on October 6, and votes will be counted on October 9.
At the same time, two groups are arguing over who truly controls the Trinamool Congress.
One group is led by Mamata Banerjee, and the other is led by Ritabrata Banerjee.
They have both sent documents to the Election Commission.
The Commission will look at things such as party organisation records and support from elected representatives.
It may decide which group can use the party’s name and familiar symbol.
If no decision is made before the election, the symbol could be temporarily frozen.
The Nandigram result may also show which side has stronger public and political support.
The Nandigram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9.
The seat became vacant after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur and resigned from Nandigram.
Rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee both claim to represent the real Trinamool Congress.
The Election Commission may determine control of the party name and twin-flower-on-grass symbol under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols Order.
The bypoll could test both the BJP’s hold over Nandigram and the Trinamool factions’ electoral support.
- Who
- The Mamata Banerjee-led and Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool factions, the Election Commission, and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
- What
- A Nandigram Assembly bypoll is being held amid a dispute over control of the Trinamool Congress, its name, and its election symbol.
- When
- Polling is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9; notification is due September 9 and nominations close September 16.
- Where
- Nandigram Assembly constituency in West Bengal, India.
- Why
- The seat became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur and resigned from Nandigram, while rival Trinamool factions are contesting party control.
Mamata Banerjee Camp
Ritabrata Banerjee Camp
Legitimate party leadership
Mamata Banerjee Camp
The Mamata Banerjee camp says it remains the legitimate leadership of the All India Trinamool Congress and has submitted its National Working Committee details.
Ritabrata Banerjee Camp
The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction claims to represent the real Trinamool Congress and says it has substantial support among elected representatives.
Basis for recognition
Mamata Banerjee Camp
The camp relies on its organisational claim and submitted party leadership details to the Election Commission.
Ritabrata Banerjee Camp
The faction has submitted organisational documents and claims that its support among elected representatives should be considered.
Electoral significance
Mamata Banerjee Camp
For Mamata Banerjee’s faction, Nandigram could demonstrate that its organisational claim translates into electoral support.
Ritabrata Banerjee Camp
For Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction, the dispute could determine whether it gains recognition and control of the party’s identity and symbol.
- Polling date
- October 6
- Counting date
- October 9
- Notification date
- September 9
- Nomination deadline
- September 16
- Seat vacancy
- Suvendu Adhikari resigned from Nandigram after retaining Bhabanipur.
- Party dispute
- Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee’s factions both claim to represent the Trinamool Congress.
- Legal framework
- Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.