CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has announced its support for the Congress candidate in the upcoming Nandigram Assembly bypoll after its own nominee, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, withdrew her nomination on Friday. The bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9.
Pradhan Dey, a teacher who had been fielded by the Mamata camp, withdrew from the contest a day before the deadline. Her decision came after she met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat in Kolkata. Reports said she was accompanied by her husband during the meeting.
Following the withdrawal, Mamata Banerjee said her faction would support Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram. She said the decision was aimed at strengthening the INDIA bloc. A separate decision regarding the Rejinagar bypoll is expected later.
The development follows an Election Commission decision concerning the rival factions of the Trinamool Congress. The poll panel assigned the Mamata-led faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol for the upcoming bypolls, while the rival faction received a different name and symbol.
The Nandigram contest has gained political attention following the latest changes involving the candidates, party identities and alliances ahead of the October 6 bypoll.
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