The Congress today announced not fielding its candidate from Saithia Assembly constituency in Birbhum district in favour of poll alliance partner CPI(M).
District Congress President Syed Siraj Jimmi said, "For the sake of alliance, we have withdrawn our nominee and it has been resolved that the Left Front nominee will file nomination as the 'Mahajot' (grand alliance) candidate from Saithia constituency."
Madan Chandra Dhuli had earlier been named as the Congress candidate.
Sitting CPI(M) MLA Dhiren Bagdi would now contest as the Left Front nominee from this reserved seat (SC).
Bagdi said, "I have been informed by my party leadership that left would contest from this seat. I will file nomination on Saturday."
Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Joy Banerjee filed nomination as the BJP candidate from Suri Assembly constituency today.
Another actor Locket Chatterjee has been fielded by the saffron party from Mayureshwar seat in the district and started campaigning.
