Mamata Banerjee has challenged the Election Commission’s interim order freezing TMC’s original name and symbol. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter before the Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice Surya Kant assured an early hearing.
The dispute involves Trinamool Congress’ name and traditional “Jora Phool and Grass” election symbol. The Election Commission issued the interim order before the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly bypolls.
Kapil Sibal questions timing of Election Commission order
Presenting the matter, Kapil Sibal said the Election Commission started hearings on the dispute in June. Mamata Banerjee’s faction submitted a detailed response before the commission in July.
According to Sibal, the commission did not announce any decision for several months. However, after bypoll notifications arrived for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats, the commission froze the party name and symbol.
The bypolls for both seats are scheduled for October 6. Sibal questioned the decision and requested an immediate stay from the Supreme Court.
He argued that the Election Commission was creating new standards every day. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant asked him not to discuss the case merits at this stage.
The Chief Justice said both sides would receive an opportunity to present their arguments when the hearing begins.
Two factions fight over TMC name and symbol
The dispute focuses on control over TMC’s name, symbol and organisation. Mamata Banerjee leads one faction, while Ritabrata Banerjee leads the other group.
Ritabrata’s faction claims the earlier organisational structure has ended. They argue that continuing the existing structure is not valid.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee’s faction rejects this claim. Her group considers its organisational structure legitimate. Due to this disagreement, the matter reached the Election Commission.
EC assigns separate names and symbols to both groups
On September 17, the Election Commission issued an interim order considering the October 6 bypolls. The order stopped both groups from using the “All India Trinamool Congress” name and traditional “Jora Phool and Grass” symbol.
Instead, the commission provided temporary names and symbols to both factions. Mamata Banerjee’s group received the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” with the “Football Player” symbol.
The other faction received the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” with the “Envelope” symbol. This arrangement will remain applicable temporarily for the upcoming bypolls.
