ECI Assigns New Names and Symbols to Rival Factions of Trinamool

The Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted new names and election symbols to rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress on Friday, pending a final decision on the original party name and its iconic "Flowers & Grass" symbol.

According to the ECI notification, the faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee designated by the Commission as the “original but minority” group received the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the election symbol “Football Player”.

• The interim arrangement was triggered after the poll panel barred both camps from using the original identity for upcoming electoral contests.
• Following the directive, both rival factions submitted lists of alternative names and symbols directly to the Commission for urgent clearance.
• The recognition extends across three states, granting both groups official state party status in West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• Votes for the crucial test in the two West Bengal Assembly segments will be tallied three days after polling closes on October 9.

The rival camp led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, termed the “rebel but majority” group by the poll panel, secured the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the symbol “Envelope”.

Upcoming Bypolls and Interim Order

The interim identities will remain in force until the ECI delivers its final verdict on ownership of the original All India Trinamool Congress name and symbol.

The order applies directly to the upcoming Assembly bypolls scheduled for October 6 in Nandigram (East Midnapore district) and Rejinagar (Murshidabad district). Furthermore, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction's candidate for the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll in Assam will contest under the new banner and symbol.

Historical Context

The Trinamool Congress was founded in 1998 after Mamata Banerjee split from the Congress party. Since its inception, the political outfit has contested every election under the All India Trinamool Congress banner and the "Flowers & Grass" symbol, eventually storming to power in West Bengal in 2011 to anchor the state's ruling force.

With this latest directive, West Bengal prepares for its first electoral contest since 1998 without the original Trinamool name and symbol appearing on the ballot paper.