Will Mamata Banerjee Make a Comeback? Trinamool Congress Faction Awaits Her Decision

Ritabrata Banerjee's Bold Move

In a significant development, the faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee announced on Saturday its willingness to withdraw its candidate for the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly bypoll, should Mamata Banerjee decide to run. The faction expressed a desire to see the former chief minister return to the Assembly.

Ritabrata Banerjee, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, indicated that while they had nearly finalized their candidate for the bypoll, they would step aside if Mamata Banerjee opts to contest, even as an independent candidate.

He emphasized the importance of Dr. Mamata Banerjee's presence in the Assembly, suggesting that her return from the Nandigram constituency, where she faced defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections, would be ideal.

These comments arise amidst an ongoing conflict between the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress and the Ritabrata faction regarding the party's name and election symbol.

The Election Commission is currently reviewing the competing claims, with two assembly bypolls set to take place in the state.

Ritabrata Banerjee pointed out that Mamata Banerjee has previously entered the Assembly through bypolls rather than winning a direct election.

He expressed confidence that his faction would secure victory in the upcoming bypolls, with the deadline for filing nominations set for September 16.