Ritabrata Banerjee says will withdraw candidate if Mamata contests as independent in Nandigram by-poll

Amid the TMC symbol dispute, rebel faction leader Ritabrata Banerjee made a significant statement regarding the Nandigram assembly by-poll. He said that if Mamata Banerjee wishes to contest as an independent candidate, his faction would withdraw its nominee to support her.

Banerjee stated that his faction has nearly finalized its candidate announcement but added: "If after the announcement Mamata Banerjee expresses her wish to contest as an independent, we will withdraw our candidate to support her. We want Mamata Banerjee to be part of the assembly."

Nandigram remains a contentious seat where Mamata lost to Suvendu Adhikari in 2021. The by-poll highlights internal tensions within TMC as the party grapples with a symbol dispute at the Election Commission.