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The rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress has also announced its candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls in two constituencies, fielding Muslim candidates in both seats.

The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction has named Mohammad Eteshamul Haque from Nandigram and Safiuddin Sheikh from Rejinagar. The announcement came a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her faction’s candidates for the bypolls, PTI reported.

Who Did Mamata Banerjee’s Faction Field?

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has fielded Sanchita Pradhan from Nandigram and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury from Rejinagar.

Congress Also Announces Candidates

The Congress has also announced its candidates for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly bypolls.

The party has fielded Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi from Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan from Nandigram. By fielding a Muslim candidate in Rejinagar, the Congress has sought to strike a social balance.

With the rebel TMC faction also fielding a Muslim candidate, the contest in the two constituencies has become more interesting.

Why Are Bypolls Being Held?

During the Assembly elections, Suvendu Adhikari contested from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur and won both seats. He defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.

Adhikari later vacated the Nandigram seat, leading to the bypoll there.

Meanwhile, the Aam Janata Unnayan Party also won from both Naoda and Rejinagar. The party retained the Naoda seat and vacated Rejinagar, resulting in a bypoll there as well.

When Will Voting Take Place?

According to the schedule released by the Election Commission, polling for both seats will be held on October 6, while the results will be announced on October 9.

The last date for filing nominations is September 16. The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect in the districts where the bypolls are being held.