EC allots symbols to rival TMC factions amid Nandigram bypoll

The Election Commission has recognised two rival factions of the Trinamool Congress, allotting the envelope symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led group and the football player symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Ahead of the Nandigram bypoll, Mamata Banerjee’s faction withdrew its candidate and declared support for the Congress party.

The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction has been officially named the Democratic Trinamool Congress and given the envelope symbol. Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction was allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress along with the football player election symbol.

At a press conference, Mamata Banerjee said she had spoken to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. She asserted, "We will all fight together against the BJP."

Banerjee’s faction decided to support the Congress party "in the greater interest of the country" to strengthen the Opposition INDIA bloc. She said, "I want that Bharatiya Janata Party must go from India."

Mamata Banerjee also accused Suvendu Adhikari of previously vowing to prevent the TMC from retaining its name and symbol. She said, "Now, they are after us. We are not going to bow our heads, and neither will we surrender."

The Mamata faction’s withdrawal of its candidate from the Nandigram bypoll and backing of Congress marks a rare move in the ongoing political tussle. The Election Commission’s decision to freeze the original TMC party’s symbol and allot separate symbols to the factions has intensified the dispute.

Banerjee described the Election Commission’s order as unconstitutional and a biased political vendetta designed to satisfy a political party. She questioned how the EC could freeze her symbol, which has been with them for the last 28 years.

She further alleged that the BJP has looted elections not only in Bengal but also in other states and is now trying to destroy opposition parties. The Mamata faction’s solidarity remains with the INDIA bloc as they prepare to contest future elections.

The political battle over the TMC’s identity and symbols continues to unfold as the Nandigram bypoll approaches, with both factions asserting their claims and strategies.