The internal dispute within the Trinamool Congress has entered a new phase after the two rival factions submitted their preferred alternative party names and election symbols to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The development follows the Election Commission’s interim decision to freeze the use of the “All India Trinamool Congress” name and the party’s traditional “Flowers & Grass” symbol for the upcoming by-elections. Both factions have been asked to contest under separate names and symbols until the poll panel takes a final decision on the dispute.
Mamata Faction Proposes Three Names
The faction led by Mamata Banerjee submitted three alternative names to the Election Commission through email.
The proposed names are:
- Mamata All India Trinamool Congress
- All India Trinamool Congress Mamata
- Trinamool Mamata Congress
For election symbols, the faction has indicated preferences including a football player and a bat. The group has also objected to the Election Commission’s decision to freeze the traditional “Flowers & Grass” symbol.
Ritabrata Faction Gives Its Choices
The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has proposed two alternative party names:
- Rashtrawadi Trinamool Congress
- Democratic Trinamool Congress
For free symbols, the faction has reportedly selected options including a blackboard, envelope and torch.
The Election Commission had directed both groups to provide three preferred names and three free symbols by 11 am on September 18, after deciding that neither side could use the original party name or reserved symbol for the relevant by-elections.
Why Did the Election Commission Freeze the TMC Name and Symbol?
The Election Commission’s interim order came amid competing claims over control and representation of the Trinamool Congress.
According to the Commission’s position reported by multiple outlets, the interim arrangement is intended to keep the two groups on an equal footing and protect their respective rights while the underlying dispute is considered. The final determination regarding the party’s identity and symbol remains pending.
The decision comes ahead of upcoming by-elections in West Bengal, where the rival factions have been seeking to establish their electoral identities.
What Happens Next?
The Election Commission will now consider the names and symbols submitted by the two sides and allot one name and one free symbol to each faction for the applicable elections.
The final decision on which group is entitled to the original All India Trinamool Congress name and the Flowers & Grass symbol is separate from this interim arrangement and remains to be determined by the poll panel.
