TMC candidate flips withdrawal decision as West Bengal by-elections face turmoil

On Saturday, former Trinamool legislator Rabiul Alam Chowdhury told reporters in Murshidabad that he intended to pull out of the Rejinagar by-poll, blaming intimidation and arrests of party workers. He said the decision came after a conversation with Mamata Banerjee the previous night. However, by midday he announced a reversal, stating he would resume his campaign and that senior TMC figures, possibly including Banerjee herself, would appear in the area.

This flip follows the withdrawal of Sanchita Pradhan Dey in the Nandigram contest, after which the party pledged support to Congress nominee Milan Pradhan. Police later arrested Pradhan on four non-bailable warrants dating back to 2007 murder cases, prompting the Congress to question the timing of the move. The Election Commission has instructed that outstanding warrants be executed for all elections.