What Led to the Withdrawal of Mamata Banerjee's Nandigram Candidate?

In a surprising development, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the candidate for the Nandigram bypoll backed by Mamata Banerjee, has withdrawn her nomination just before the deadline. This decision follows the Election Commission's recent announcement regarding a new party name and symbol for Mamata's faction, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Dey's withdrawal leaves the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress without a candidate for the upcoming elections. Read on to find out more about this unfolding political drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 16:24 IST

Mamata Banerjee's Candidate Withdraws from Nandigram Bypoll

Kolkata: In a surprising twist within the Trinamool Congress, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the candidate for the Nandigram bypoll backed by Mamata Banerjee, decided to withdraw her nomination on Friday, just one day before the deadline.

This decision followed the Election Commission's announcement that granted the faction led by Mamata Banerjee a new party name and symbol for the upcoming bypolls on October 6, which effectively severed its ties with the traditional identity of the Trinamool Congress.

Sanchita Pradhan Dey, who works as a teacher and was nominated by Mamata's faction for the Nandigram seat, met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Friday afternoon, accompanied by her husband, Satyajit.

Following this meeting, she officially withdrew her candidacy, leaving the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress without a representative for the Nandigram bypoll.