The Congress has decided not to field its candidate against TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur by-poll.

It will also not campaign against her in the run up to the September 30 by-poll, Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told reporters.

Earlier on Monday, Chowdhury had said that the Congress would field a candidate against Banerjee in Bhabanipur, claiming that the majority of PCC members were in favour of such a decision.

Reacting to the AICC decision, CPIM leader Sujan Chakraborty said, "We will field a candidate as those opposed to the TMC and BJP needed an alternative. We cannot ask the Congress to change its decision."

The Election Commission had announced to hold by-elections to three assembly seats in West Bengal on September 30. These constituencies are – Bhabanipur, Samserganj, and Jangipur.

The counting of votes will take place on October 3.