New Delhi, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : The Election Commission of India has taken a significant interim step by freezing the name and election symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) amid ongoing disputes between rival factions. Neither the group led by Mamata Banerjee nor the faction headed by Arup Roy will be allowed to use the name ‘AITC’ for the time being.
In its directive, the Commission stated that both factions are prohibited from using the party’s original name and its reserved election symbol, which features a flower and grass design. However, the factions have the option to select different names for themselves. They can also indicate their connection to the original party, ‘AITC’, if they choose. Additionally, the Commission will allocate separate election symbols from a list of free symbols to both groups.
The Election Commission has instructed both factions to submit their new names and preferred symbols by 11 a.m. on September 18. This decision follows separate meetings held with representatives from both factions in New Delhi, where the Commission conducted final hearings. The rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Arup Roy was called in at 3 p.m., while the hearing for the group led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee took place at 4 p.m.
Previously, on September 12, the Commission had heard arguments from both sides but did not reach a decision, instead requesting additional documents. The interim ruling was made based on those documents and final arguments presented.
A long-standing dispute has existed between the two factions over the rights to the TMC name and symbol, with both claiming to be the legitimate representatives of the party. Following this ruling, both factions will contest the upcoming by-elections under different names and symbols.
The Commission’s decision has sparked heightened activity in West Bengal‘s political landscape, with attention now focused on the choices both factions will make for their new identities.
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