Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has officially declared her support for the Congress party in the upcoming Nandigram by-election. This significant announcement was made during a press conference held in Kolkata on September 18, 2026. Banerjee stated that the decision stemmed from considerations for the “greater interest of the nation”.

In a move that reflects this alliance, Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) from Banerjee’s faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has withdrawn her nomination from the Nandigram Assembly constituency. This withdrawal leaves the TMC without a candidate for the seat, with polling scheduled for October 6.

The Congress party has nominated Milan Pradhan for the Nandigram seat, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) has put forward Shanti Gopal Giri. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has entered the contest with candidate Hasirani Rath.

Allegations Against BJP and Political Climate

During the press conference, Banerjee reiterated her commitment to the INDIA alliance and expressed her resolve to oppose the ruling BJP government. She remarked, “I want the BJP to go from India,” reflecting her determination to mobilise support against what she alleges are unconstitutional practices by the current leadership.

Banerjee also acknowledged solidarity extended to her from various opposition leaders, revealing that Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal had reached out to her recently. She pointed to the collaborative effort among opposition parties as crucial during this politically charged period.

Further addressing the current political landscape, Banerjee aimed sharp criticism at Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, proclaiming him to be a more dangerous figure than others in the political arena. She has alleged that the BJP has engaged in electoral malpractices across various states including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Bengal.

Concerns Over Democratic Integrity and Election Commission’s Directive

Mamata Banerjee has been vocally critical of the BJP, labelling the party as a “Jhootha” and “Jumla” entity, claiming it seeks to undermine democratic structures, the Constitution, and the education system in India. She emphasised the gravity of what she labelled “vote theft” within the political system, expressing deep concern for the integrity of elections.

Moreover, Banerjee issued a warning to those currently in power, suggesting their political decisions are influenced by premeditated interference. She denounced an interim directive from the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning an ongoing leadership dispute within her party, calling it an unconstitutional action motivated by political vendetta.

The directive mandates that neither faction involved in the dispute—led by Banerjee or Arup Roy—is allowed to use the original name “All India Trinamool Congress” or its associated symbol, “Flowers & Grass,” until a final determination is reached. The ECI has provisionally allotted Banerjee’s faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” with the “Football Player” symbol, while Roy’s faction has been designated as the “Democratic Trinamool Congress” with the “Envelope” symbol, valid across West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

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