The Election Commission of India is hearing rival factions of the Trinamool Congress over control of the party name and its twin-flower election symbol ahead of the October 6 West Bengal Assembly bypolls. The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction is scheduled to appear first, followed by the Mamata Banerjee-led camp.
The dispute involves competing claims over the party’s organisational control, authorised representatives and the right to use the existing TMC name and symbol. Both sides have submitted documents and representations to the poll panel, while the Commission has sought additional information from the rebel faction.
The disagreement has become particularly significant because candidates backed by the rival groups have filed nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. The two seats are scheduled to vote on October 6, with counting on October 9.
The Election Commission had previously heard both factions on September 12 and continued seeking submissions as the nomination deadline approached. The panel has not publicly announced a final determination on which group is entitled to the party’s name and symbol.
The outcome of the Commission’s proceedings will determine how the competing factions can represent themselves in the upcoming bypolls and use the party’s established electoral identity.
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