Election Commission freezes TMC name and symbol for October bypolls

The Election Commission of India has issued an interim order freezing the use of the 'All India Trinamool Congress' name and its 'Flowers and Grass' symbol for the upcoming assembly bypolls scheduled on October 6, 2026. This decision prevents both rival factions of the party from contesting under the same banner, aiming to maintain parity and protect their rights, the poll body said.

The poll panel stated that the interim arrangement is intended to place both rival groups on an even keel and safeguard their rights and interests during the bypolls. Neither faction will be permitted to use the party's name or symbol, and both will be allotted different symbols from the list of free symbols notified by the Election Commission for the current elections.

Congress leader KC Venugopal condemned the move as a "blatantly unconstitutional hijack by the BJP," alleging that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s decision was aimed at weakening the party led by Mamata Banerjee. He further accused the Election Commission of acting as a puppet of the BJP, systematically undermining democracy by targeting opposition parties like Shiv Sena, NCP, and now the Trinamool Congress.

The order has sparked controversy, with the Mamata Banerjee faction submitting three preferred names and symbols to the poll body under strong protest. The rebel camp welcomed the Election Commission’s directive. Critics argue that the order contradicts the law and reflects an attempt to eliminate dynastic politics, emphasizing that a political party is not a private limited company and cannot have an heir.

The Election Commission’s decision comes amid a power tussle within the Trinamool Congress, with the party’s tenure set to expire in February 2025. The interim freeze on the party’s identity is seen as a significant development in the ongoing political struggle.