‘TMC Mine Until...’: Mamata Supports Congress In Nandigram Bypoll; Ritabrata’s ‘Cult’ Jibe At Didi

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday called the developments surrounding the Trinamool Congress’ internal factional dispute a “black day” in India’s democratic history after her camp’s Nandigram bypoll candidate Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination. Mamata alleged that the developments were “unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic” and a biased vendetta. The withdrawal came after Pradhan met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, with a photograph of the meeting circulating on social media, though its authenticity could not be confirmed. Mamata announced support for the Congress candidate in Nandigram and Assam. The Election Commission assigned Mamata’s faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the football player symbol, while the Arup Roy-led rebel camp was given “Democratic Trinamool Congress” with the envelope symbol.