The Trinamul Congress on Friday nominated actor-politician Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Hossain Sarkar in the Baranagar and the Bhagwangola Assembly constituencies, respectively, where bypolls would be held along with Lok Sabha elections.

The Left Front also announced Biplab Kumar Maitra and Sonamoni Murmu as the candidates from the Lok Sabha seats of Arambagh and Jhargram, respectively.

Sayantika hailed the decision and profusely thanked chief minister Mamata Banerjee for reposing faith in her. A fortnight ago, Sayantika had expressed bitter disappointment in public for being overlooked for the candidature of the Bankura Lok Sabha seat. She sent in her resignation from all Trinamul responsibilities (including the post of state secretary).

“Yes, I certainly am happy. This is a moment to cherish, the faith my leadership has shown in me. I am truly grateful, and I will keep giving my very best,” said Banerjee.

Asked about the discontent she had aired, Banerjee said it was from a place of love for the party, and there was never any resentment.

In Baranagar, where the by-polls were necessitated by the defection to the BJP by Trinamul’s sitting MLA Tapas Roy (now fielded from Calcutta North by the saffron camp), she would take on the BJP’s Sajal Ghosh – a Calcutta Municipal Corporation councillor deemed a formidable electoral foe.

“I am glad, because I never back down from a challenge,” said Banerjee.

Sarkar from Bhagwangola said he would not hold anything back to ensure a win for his party.

“This is a serious responsibility, and I will make my party proud,” he said.