EC prohibits TMC factions from using party name and symbol in Bengal bypolls.

The Election Commission has issued a directive to the rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) regarding the upcoming bypolls in West Bengal. The commission has prohibited both groups from using the party's name and symbol, and has asked them to submit their preferred alternatives by Friday morning. In an interim order released on Thursday, the Commission stated that the matter requires a thorough consideration under the provisions of the Election Symbols Order of 1968.

After hearing from leaders of both factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, the commission concluded that there are two distinct groups within the AITC, each claiming to be the legitimate party. Therefore, the commission has decided to take a fair and unbiased approach by granting an interim order to both groups. This order will remain in effect until the final determination of the dispute.

As per the order, neither of the two groups will be allowed to use the name "All India Trinamool Congress" or the symbol of "Flowers and Grass" reserved for the party. Instead, both groups are required to choose new names for their respective factions and will be allotted different symbols from the list of free symbols provided by the Election Commission. The commission has requested both groups to submit three options for names and symbols, in order of preference, by 11:00 AM on 18th September 2026.

The Election Commission has also clarified that if any candidates are put forward by either of the factions, they must be allotted the chosen symbols. Both factions had presented their arguments for claiming the party name and symbol ahead of the bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, which are scheduled for October 6th. In conclusion, the Election Commission has taken a neutral stance and has given both factions an equal opportunity to choose new names and symbols for their respective groups.

This decision aims to protect the rights and interests of both sides and maintain a fair playing field for the upcoming bypolls. Stay tuned for further updates on this matter.