TMC Name Symbol Row: ECI Bars Both Factions until By-polls

In the next assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has prohibited both branches of the Trinamool Congress from using the party’s name and electoral symbol. The commission issued an interim order yesterday stating that neither the Arup Roy-led group nor the Mamata Banerjee-led group may use the party’s result or the term All India Trinamool Congress.

Both groups will have to contest the by-elections under distinct names and with election symbols granted by the commission. Until the conflict is ultimately resolved, this arrangement will remain in place. According to the commission, there are currently two factions pursuing the Trinamool Congress. Both claim to be the true party, according to records and statements made by the parties. The commission has taken this provisional action to determine who can use the party’s name and emblem. ECI stated the issue cannot be resolved before the impending elections.

How did the TMC divide into several factions?

Several TMC leaders started a revolt against the party and its illegal methods of operation after the assembly elections were lost. Surprisingly, though, a number of them started to suggest that they might join the winning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The process of switching jerseys had already started covertly, despite BJP President Samik Bhattacharya’s loud declaration that all TMC members would not be allowed to join the BJP.

A rift within the party occurred in June 2026 2026 when 58 dissident TMC MLAs elected Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of the opposition (LoP). He replaced Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, the nominee of the Mamata Bloc in the legislature. The lesser-known NCPI was revived 5 days later when 20 Lok Sabha MPs led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar joined. As the NCPI demonstrated its support for the BJP-led NDA, this split dealt the TMC yet another blow. NCPI is the rebel TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha.

The irony of TMC’s career is that it was founded in 1998 as a faction of the then-state Congress. It used to be a part of Pradesh Congress. The same magic that once flourished in its garden ultimately brought about its demise 28 years later.