Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Congress Names Candidates for Bengal Rejinagar, Nandigram Bypolls
The Congress party chose two people to contest upcoming by-elections in West Bengal.
Mohammed Abdullahil Kafi will contest Rejinagar.
Milan Pradhan will contest Nandigram.
Voting will happen on October 6.
Officials will count the votes and announce the results on October 9.
Nandigram needs a new election because Suvendu Adhikari won two seats but kept Bhabanipur.
Rejinagar needs a new election because Humayun Kabir won two seats but kept Naoda.
Observers think the BJP is strong in Nandigram, while Rejinagar may be more competitive.
The Congress nominated Mohammed Abdullahil Kafi for Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan for Nandigram.
Polling in both West Bengal constituencies is scheduled for October 6, with counting and results on October 9.
The election process is required to conclude by October 11.
Nandigram became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur, while Humayun Kabir retained Naoda instead of Rejinagar.
Observers describe Nandigram as favorable to the BJP and Rejinagar as a potentially competitive seat for Congress and CPI(M).
- Who
- The Indian National Congress, its candidates Mohammed Abdullahil Kafi and Milan Pradhan, and other West Bengal parties are involved.
- What
- Candidates were announced for by-elections in the Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies.
- When
- Polling is scheduled for October 6, counting and results for October 9, and completion of the election process by October 11.
- Where
- Rejinagar in Murshidabad district and Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The seats became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur and Humayun Kabir retained Naoda after each had won two constituencies.
Congress and CPI(M) Opportunity
BJP and Trinamool Congress Prospects
Nandigram contest
Congress and CPI(M) Opportunity
Congress is contesting the bypoll, but observers say the seat could offer limited opportunity because the BJP has been strong there since 2021.
BJP and Trinamool Congress Prospects
Observers describe Nandigram as a virtual BJP fortress and expect the party to be difficult to defeat.
Rejinagar competition
Congress and CPI(M) Opportunity
Observers say Congress and CPI(M) may have an opportunity to increase their representation, and the result could indicate shifts in minority voting.
BJP and Trinamool Congress Prospects
Observers say the BJP may face demographic challenges in Rejinagar, while the Trinamool Congress is seen as having limited prospects because of reported internal divisions.
- Congress candidate for Rejinagar
- Mohammed Abdullahil Kafi
- Congress candidate for Nandigram
- Milan Pradhan
- Polling date
- October 6
- Counting and results
- October 9
- Election completion deadline
- October 11
- Nandigram vacancy
- Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur
- Rejinagar vacancy
- Humayun Kabir retained Naoda
