RSP withdraws from Rejinagar bypoll after ECI denies 'spade and stoker' symbol
Synopsis
The RSP's withdrawal from the Rejinagar bypoll — triggered by the ECI denying its iconic spade and stoker symbol — is ultimately symbolic: the nomination deadline expired on 19 September, so the party's candidate stays on the ballot. It lays bare a deepening crack in West Bengal's Left Front alliance ahead of the 6 October vote.
Key Takeaways
RSP announced withdrawal from the Rejinagar assembly bypoll on 21 September 2026 , citing denial of its traditional spade and stoker electoral symbol by the ECI .
The ECI allotted the bucket symbol instead, which the RSP leadership rejected as unacceptable.
The withdrawal is symbolic only — the nomination deadline lapsed on 19 September , so RSP candidate Bikash Chandra Mishra remains on the ballot.
The RSP had earlier declared revolt against the West Bengal Left Front , which had backed CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali for the seat.
The Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls are scheduled for 6 October , with results on 9 October .
The Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), a constituent of the West Bengal Left Front, on Monday night, 21 September 2026, announced its withdrawal from the Rejinagar assembly bypoll after the Election Commission of India (ECI) denied the party its traditional electoral symbol of 'spade and stoker' and allotted the 'bucket' symbol instead. The decision marks a dramatic final act in the RSP's revolt against the Left Front leadership over candidate selection.
Background: How the Revolt Unfolded
The dispute traces back to the West Bengal Left Front's decision to officially nominate CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali as the alliance's pick for the Rejinagar seat. The RSP leadership refused to accept this, declaring revolt and fielding its own candidate, Bikash Chandra Mishra, for the bypoll — a direct challenge to Left Front coalition discipline.
ECI Symbol Decision Triggers Walkout
The situation escalated when the ECI, following scrutiny that concluded on Saturday, informed the RSP that its traditional symbol of 'spade and stoker' could not be allotted for the Rejinagar contest and that the party would instead have to contest under the 'bucket' symbol. Tapan Hore, state secretary of the RSP in West Bengal, confirmed the withdrawal in a formal statement, saying: 'After the scrutiny ended on Saturday, the Commission informed us that it was not possible to give us our traditional symbol of the spade and stoker, and we will have to contest the by-election with the bucket symbol. Hence, we have decided to withdraw from the contest in protest against this.'
Withdrawal Is Largely Symbolic
Notably, the RSP's announcement carries limited legal weight. The last date for withdrawal of nominations had already passed on 19 September, meaning Bikash Chandra Mishra's name will remain on the ballot regardless. The withdrawal is thus a political gesture of protest rather than an effective exit from the contest.
Bypoll Schedule and What Comes Next
The Rejinagar bypoll, along with the Nandigram Assembly Constituency bypoll, is scheduled for 6 October, with results to be declared on 9 October. With the RSP candidate technically still in the race, the contest could split Left-leaning votes, potentially benefiting rival parties. This comes amid broader questions about Left Front cohesion in West Bengal, where the alliance has faced persistent pressure from the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Point of View
And split Left votes could quietly benefit the TMC. The bigger story is whether the Left Front can hold its smaller constituents together at all as West Bengal politics increasingly polarises between the TMC and the BJP.
NationPress
21 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did RSP withdraw from the Rejinagar bypoll?
The RSP withdrew from the Rejinagar bypoll in protest after the Election Commission of India denied the party its traditional spade and stoker electoral symbol and instead allotted the bucket symbol. State secretary Tapan Hore confirmed the decision in a formal statement on Monday night.
Will RSP's withdrawal actually remove its candidate from the Rejinagar ballot?
No. The withdrawal is purely symbolic because the last date for withdrawal of nominations had already expired on 19 September 2026. RSP candidate Bikash Chandra Mishra will still appear on the ballot for the 6 October bypoll.
What led to RSP fielding its own candidate in Rejinagar?
The RSP declared revolt against the West Bengal Left Front after the alliance officially nominated CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali for the Rejinagar seat. Unhappy with being sidelined, the RSP announced Bikash Chandra Mishra as its independent candidate.
When are the Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls?
Both the Rejinagar and Nandigram assembly constituency bypolls are scheduled for 6 October 2026, with results to be declared on 9 October 2026.
What is the RSP's relationship with the West Bengal Left Front?
The Revolutionary Social Party (RSP) is a constituent member of the West Bengal Left Front, a coalition of Left parties led by the CPI(M). The RSP's revolt over the Rejinagar candidate selection highlights growing tensions within the alliance.
