ECI Freezes TMC Name and Symbol Amid Mamata-Ritabrata Faction Row
The Election Commission has temporarily frozen the TMC’s name and ‘Jora phul’ symbol amid a dispute between the Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee factions.
The Election Commission of India has temporarily frozen the All India Trinamool Congress name and its traditional ‘Jora phul’ symbol amid an internal dispute between rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee. The interim order means neither faction can use the original party name or symbol for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls until the dispute is resolved.
The poll panel directed both groups to submit three preferred alternative names and three free symbols. The order was issued ahead of the October bypolls, with the Commission saying there was insufficient time to complete the wider dispute over control of the party before the elections. It clarified that the interim arrangement should not be treated as a final decision on which faction is entitled to the original identity.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction submitted its choices to the Commission “under strongest protest”, according to reports. The faction has objected to the freeze while continuing to contest the claims made by the rival group.
The dispute centres on organisational control and ownership of the TMC’s name and election symbol. The Commission had earlier heard both sides and sought additional documents from the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction before issuing the interim order.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly backed Mamata Banerjee during the controversy and criticised the Election Commission and the BJP over the dispute. His remarks are part of the wider political reactions to the Commission’s interim decision.
The final decision on which faction, if any, will retain the original TMC name and symbol remains pending.
