EC Allots New Names, Symbols to Rival TMC Factions

The Election Commission on Friday allotted separate names and electoral symbols to the rival factions of the Trinamool Congress, allowing the two groups to contest the upcoming by-elections under new identities.

The faction led by Mamata Banerjee has been allotted the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” with the “Football Player” symbol, while the group led by Arup Roy has been allotted the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol. The Election Commission said both groups will be treated as recognised political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura.

The decision follows the Commission’s interim order of September 17, which froze the “All India Trinamool Congress” name and the traditional “Flowers and Grass” symbol amid the dispute over control of the party. The two factions will contest the Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections on October 6 under their newly allotted identities.