📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Indrajit Das
Politics
TMC’s name and symbol frozen: Ritabrata faction welcomes, Mamata camp deems it illegal
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 19 Sep 2026, 08:45 AM
👁 13
The Election Commission has ordered a freeze on the Trinamool Congress’s name and election symbol, prompting divergent reactions from the party’s rival factions.
The Election Commission of India has placed a temporary freeze on the Trinamool Congress’s official name and its iconic flower symbol pending resolution of an internal dispute. The move aims to prevent any misuse of the party’s identity while the factions sort out their differences.
A faction led by senior leader Ritabrata Banerjee welcomed the decision, stating that the freeze safeguards the party’s brand and curtails attempts to hijack its symbols. The group said the step is necessary to maintain order within the party’s organisational structure.
In contrast, the faction aligned with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the freeze as contrary to legal provisions. The party’s central leadership argued that the commission’s action infringes on the party’s constitutional rights and could hamper its electoral preparations.
Both sides have indicated that they will approach the matter through legal channels, with the Mamata camp vowing to challenge the decision in court. The outcome will likely shape the internal dynamics of West Bengal’s ruling party ahead of upcoming elections.
A faction led by senior leader Ritabrata Banerjee welcomed the decision, stating that the freeze safeguards the party’s brand and curtails attempts to hijack its symbols. The group said the step is necessary to maintain order within the party’s organisational structure.
In contrast, the faction aligned with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the freeze as contrary to legal provisions. The party’s central leadership argued that the commission’s action infringes on the party’s constitutional rights and could hamper its electoral preparations.
Both sides have indicated that they will approach the matter through legal channels, with the Mamata camp vowing to challenge the decision in court. The outcome will likely shape the internal dynamics of West Bengal’s ruling party ahead of upcoming elections.