Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Rabiul Reverses Rejinagar Bypoll Withdrawal After Mamata Intervention
Rabiul Alam Chowdhury first said he would leave the Rejinagar election.
He said his workers were being harassed and that the party did not have its usual symbol.
Later, Mamata Banerjee spoke with him and asked him to stay in the race.
Chowdhury then said he would campaign even if only a few workers helped him.
He also met a police officer and asked for protection for the workers.
Humayun Kabir and Jamir Molla said the change might split votes that oppose the BJP.
The BJP candidate said his party would win and described the Trinamool Congress as divided.
These claims about pressure and vote-splitting are allegations made by political opponents, not established facts.
Trinamool Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury announced his withdrawal from the Rejinagar by-election Saturday morning, citing worker shortages, alleged harassment and problems with the party symbol.
Chowdhury reversed course within hours after speaking with Mamata Banerjee and said he would remain in the contest, even with only 10 workers.
The party will contest as the Mamata All-India Trinamool Congress under the football-player symbol after the Election Commission froze its original name and symbol.
Chowdhury said he met the Beldanga police officer in charge and sought security for party workers.
Humayun Kabir and CPM leader Jamir Molla alleged the reversal could divide anti-BJP or minority votes, while BJP candidate Sujal Sarkar predicted a BJP victory.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, party leader Mamata Banerjee, AJUP leader Humayun Kabir, CPM leader Jamir Molla and BJP candidate Sujal Sarkar.
- What
- Chowdhury reversed his announced withdrawal and decided to contest the Rejinagar Assembly by-election.
- When
- Saturday, during the day-long political drama before the October 6 by-elections.
- Where
- Rejinagar in Murshidabad district; Chowdhury met the police officer in charge at Beldanga Police Station.
- Why
- Chowdhury initially cited worker problems, alleged harassment and the loss of the party's original symbol; he later said Mamata Banerjee instructed or requested him to continue.
TMC Candidate and Mamata Banerjee's Account
Opposition Allegations and BJP Response
Why Chowdhury stayed in the race
TMC Candidate and Mamata Banerjee's Account
Chowdhury said Mamata Banerjee instructed or requested him to remain the candidate and that he wanted to contest from his old home turf.
Opposition Allegations and BJP Response
Humayun Kabir alleged that police pressured Chowdhury to stay in the contest to divide minority votes and indirectly help the BJP.
Campaign conditions
TMC Candidate and Mamata Banerjee's Account
Chowdhury cited worker shortages, alleged harassment and intimidation, and problems with the party symbol; he later sought security for party workers.
Opposition Allegations and BJP Response
Kabir alleged that police actions against his party and a change in its symbol were intended to demoralize it and affect the contest.
Political implications
TMC Candidate and Mamata Banerjee's Account
Chowdhury said he would fight even with only 10 workers after receiving support from Mamata Banerjee.
Opposition Allegations and BJP Response
Jamir Molla said the reversal could divide anti-BJP votes, while Sujal Sarkar claimed the BJP would win and that the Trinamool Congress was divided.
- Election
- Rejinagar Assembly by-election in Murshidabad district
- Candidate
- Rabiul Alam Chowdhury of the Trinamool Congress
- Initial announcement
- Chowdhury said Saturday morning that he would withdraw
- Reversal
- He later retained his candidature and said campaigning would begin immediately
- Party identity
- The party will contest as the Mamata All-India Trinamool Congress, or M-AITC
- Election symbol
- The party will use the football-player symbol after its original name and symbol were frozen
- Security request
- Chowdhury sought security for party workers at Beldanga Police Station
- Political reactions
- Opponents alleged vote-splitting and political pressure; BJP candidate Sujal Sarkar predicted victory
