TMC's Abu Tahir backs BJP in Nandigram by-poll, challenges Mamata Banerjee
Ahead of the Nandigram assembly by-poll in West Bengal, senior TMC leader Abu Tahir has backed the BJP to retain the seat, dealing a blow to party supremo Mamata Banerjee. Tahir challenged Mamata, questioning why a local leader should contest when she herself fought against BJP's Subendu Adhikari from the seat in 2021. He said Mamata should return to Nandigram and contest the by-poll herself.
Tahir stated he would refuse if TMC asks him to contest from Nandigram, accusing the party of ignoring him for years. He claimed that during TMC's 15-year rule, he was never made a candidate despite fighting against the Left Front during the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement. He questioned what he gained from those 15 years and refused to become a "scapegoat" now.
