New Delhi/Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has temporarily frozen the use of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) name and its traditional “Flowers and Grass” election symbol for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls, amid a dispute between rival factions claiming control of the party.

The interim order applies to the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, where bypolls are scheduled to be held on October 6, 2026. Both rival groups have been barred from contesting the bypolls using the name “All India Trinamool Congress” or the reserved party symbol.

The Commission has directed the two factions to submit three preferred party names and three preferred election symbols from the list of free symbols available for the bypolls. The choices have to be submitted by 11 am on September 18, following which the Commission will allot separate names and symbols to the two groups.

The dispute involves factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee, with both sides claiming to represent the legitimate Trinamool Congress. The rival groups have submitted documents before the Election Commission in support of their respective claims.

The poll panel clarified that its latest decision is an interim arrangement and not a final ruling on ownership of the TMC name and election symbol. The larger dispute will be examined under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

The Commission said the temporary arrangement was aimed at ensuring a level playing field for the rival groups during the bypolls while safeguarding their respective interests.

The decision came after both factions fielded candidates for the two constituencies while claiming the TMC identity. The Election Commission is expected to examine the claims and supporting material before taking a final decision on which faction, if any, is entitled to use the established party name and symbol.

For now, candidates backed by the rival factions will have to contest the upcoming bypolls under the new names and symbols allotted by the Election Commission.

AI 

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