In a surprising twist in West Bengal's political drama, Ritabrata Banerjee’s breakaway Trinamool Congress faction declared on Saturday it would stand down if party supremo Mamata Banerjee enters the upcoming assembly bypoll. The offer, rare in its deference, signals both respect and strategic maneuvering as two factions battle over the party’s identity.

Key facts

  • Ritabrata Banerjee is Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal
  • Bypoll nomination deadline is September 16, 2026
  • Election Commission is hearing rival claims to party name and symbol

A Bid for Mamata’s Return

Ritabrata Banerjee stated his group had nearly finalized a candidate but would withdraw the nominee if Mamata Banerjee decides to run—even as an independent. "We want Mamata Banerjee to come to the assembly," he said. "It will be better if she comes from Nandigram," referring to the constituency where she suffered a stunning defeat in the 2021 state election.

Symbol Struggle and By-Elections

The remarks arrive amid an ongoing tussle between the two factions—one led by Mamata Banerjee, the other by Ritabrata—over control of the party’s name and election symbol. With the Election Commission weighing the claims, and two bypolls looming, the political temperature is rising. Ritabrata noted that Mamata had previously entered the assembly via bypolls after not winning direct elections.

“We want Mamata Banerjee to come to the assembly. It will be better if she comes from Nandigram.”

Confidence and Calendar

Despite the gracious offer, Ritabrata expressed strong confidence in his faction’s chances should the bypolls proceed without Mamata’s participation. The deadline for nominations is September 16, leaving little time for decisions that could reshape the assembly—and the party’s future.