TMC Symbol Row: Mamata and Ritabrata Factions Face Election Commission Hearing
Rival TMC factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee are appearing before the Election Commission over the party name and election symbol ahead of Bengal bypolls.
Rival factions of the Trinamool Congress are appearing before the Election Commission of India on September 17 over competing claims to the party’s name and “two flowers on grass” election symbol. The hearing comes ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar, where candidates backed by both groups have filed nominations using the TMC identity.
The Election Commission has scheduled the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction to appear at 3 pm, followed by a five-member delegation from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction at 4 pm. Both sides have submitted documents supporting their respective claims regarding the party’s organisational structure and authorised representatives.
The dispute has been under consideration by the poll panel since July, with the two groups seeking recognition as the legitimate TMC organisation. The commission has also sought additional documents from the Ritabrata faction and final submissions from both sides.
The October 6 bypolls have added urgency to the matter because candidates from both factions are contesting under the TMC name and symbol. The Election Commission is expected to consider an interim arrangement or ruling given the approaching polls, although the exact form and timing of its decision remain with the poll panel.
The outcome will determine how the competing factions can use the party’s name and reserved symbol during the bypoll process.
