The political atmosphere in West Bengal has thickened with tension as the upcoming by-polls approach. In a sharp strategic move, the Indian National Congress has publicly declared that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is a "liability" for the election, effectively leaving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee isolated on this front.

Key Facts

  • Congress labels TMC a "liability" for the by-poll.
  • BJP nominates Chandranath Rath's mother for the Nandigram seat.
  • Suvendu Adhikari alleges Abhishek Banerjee hired killers for Rs 2 crore.
  • Rebel TMC camp announces candidates for Nandigram and Rejinagar.

A Fractured Opposition

The Congress party's decision to distance itself marks a significant shift in the state's opposition dynamics. By branding the incumbent leadership as a hindrance rather than an ally, the national party is signaling a desire to run on its own platform, hoping to capitalize on voter fatigue. This leaves Mamata Banerjee facing a fragmented challenge where her traditional rivals are not just fighting each other, but also trying to redefine the narrative against her.

High Stakes in Nandigram

Nowhere is the drama more palpable than in Nandigram. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen a deeply emotional card for the constituency, naming the mother of slain Suvendu Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath as their candidate. It is a move designed to evoke sympathy and highlight past violence, turning a personal tragedy into a political weapon.

Meanwhile, the rebel faction of the TMC, led by Suvendu Adhikari, has named its own candidates for both Nandigram and Rejinagar. The rift within the family of politics has turned violent. Suvendu has made explosive claims, stating that the "Bhaipo gang paid Rs 2 crore to contract killers" and directly accusing Abhishek Banerjee of being behind the murder of Chandranath Rath.

"Public will back BJP again," CM Adhikari predicts, forecasting a massive 50,000-vote margin win in Nandigram.

Predictions and Promises

Confidence is high among the challengers. Suvendu Adhikari, now styling himself as a key figure in the anti-TMC coalition, is projecting an image of inevitable victory. His prediction of a 50,000-vote margin suggests he believes the public sentiment has swung decisively away from the established order. As the election date looms, the streets of Bengal are bracing for a contest defined less by policy and more by deep-seated grievances and raw political ambition.