States » EastPosted at: Sep 19 2026 3:20PM


Rabiul Alam Chowdhury reverses withdrawal decision after Mamata Banerjee’s call

Kolkata, Sep 19 (UNI) Trinamul Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury on Saturday reversed his decision to withdraw from the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll after speaking to party chief Mamata Banerjee, saying he would continue the electoral battle as her representative.
Chowdhury had announced earlier in the morning that he would withdraw his nomination and had even left for Berhampore to complete the formalities.
However, a few hours later, he changed his decision and said he would begin campaigning from Saturday.
According to sources in Kalighat, Banerjee called Chowdhury after learning about his decision to withdraw.
She reportedly urged him not to leave the electoral contest and spoke to him at length.
Following the conversation, Chowdhury agreed to continue as the Trinamul candidate.
“I had decided to withdraw my candidature, but after speaking to Didi, I have changed that decision. Didi has assured me. I work for Didi’s party and will do whatever she asks me to do,” Chowdhury told reporters.
He said he would contest the election even if only one-party worker remained with him. “I will fight as Didi’s representative,” he said.
The development came amid uncertainty over the Trinamul contest in Rejinagar and Nandigram, where rival factions of the party have fielded candidates.
The bypolls are scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9. Saturday is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
On Friday, Mamata-backed Trinamul candidate Sanchita Pradhan De withdrew her nomination from Nandigram and subsequently met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
With no time left to field another candidate, Banerjee announced that she would support the Congress candidate in Nandigram.
Following the announcement, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested by police, adding another twist to the contest.
Chowdhury had earlier cited difficulties over the party’s new electoral symbol as one of the reasons for considering withdrawal.

He had said there was insufficient time to familiarise party workers and supporters with the new symbol. He had also alleged that Trinamul workers and supporters were being intimidated.
Asked about those concerns after reversing his decision, Chowdhury said: “We will see what happens.”
UNI SAG BM
Tags: #Rabiul Alam Chowdhury reverses withdrawal decision after Mamata Banerjee’s call
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