The internal dispute within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has taken a crucial turn. Amid competing claims over the party’s name and election symbol by the factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee, the Election Commission of India has issued an interim order barring both groups from using the TMC name and its reserved ‘Flowers and Grass’ symbol for the upcoming by-elections.
The decision comes ahead of the October 6 by-elections in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, where both factions have fielded candidates. The dispute over the party’s identity and symbol had therefore become a key issue ahead of the polls.
The Election Commission has directed both factions to submit three preferred party names and three free-symbol choices each by 11 am on September 18. The Commission will subsequently allot a name and a symbol to each faction for the by-elections.
The poll panel separately heard representatives of both factions on Thursday and examined their arguments and documents. The Ritabrata Banerjee-led group appeared before the Commission first, followed by representatives of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction.
After considering the submissions, the EC decided to temporarily freeze the use of the TMC name and its official election symbol until a final determination is made on the dispute. The Commission said the interim arrangement was intended to maintain a level playing field and protect the rights and interests of both groups.
As a result, neither faction will be able to contest the October 6 Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections using the TMC name and its traditional symbol. The Commission will continue examining the competing claims over organisational control of the party before taking a final decision.
