Banerjee had criticised the EC’s decision on Friday, saying the freezing of the party’s traditional name and symbol affected its political identity
KRC TIMES National Bureau
New Delhi | Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s interim decision to freeze the use of the Trinamool Congress’ original name and reserved election symbol amid a dispute between rival factions of the party.
The EC on Thursday barred both factions from using the name ‘All India Trinamool Congress’ and the reserved ‘Flowers and Grass’ symbol for the upcoming bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar. The poll panel said the competing claims required a substantive determination under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
In her petition before the apex court, Banerjee has named the Election Commission and West Bengal Assembly Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee as respondents.
Following the interim order, the EC allotted separate names and symbols to the two factions. Banerjee’s group was assigned the name ‘Mamata All India Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Football Player’ symbol, while the rival faction led by Arup Roy was given the name ‘Democratic Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Envelope’ symbol for the bypolls.
Banerjee had criticised the EC’s decision on Friday, saying the freezing of the party’s traditional name and symbol affected its political identity. She said she would pursue the restoration of the original name and symbol through legal and democratic means.
The Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies are scheduled to vote on October 6, with counting on October 9. The EC said its interim arrangement would remain in force until it takes a final decision on the competing claims under the Symbols Order.
The EC intervention follows a split within the TMC after the May Assembly elections, with rival groups staking competing claims over the party’s organisational structure and leadership.
The poll panel began examining the rival claims earlier this month. It said the limited time available before the bypolls made it necessary to put an interim arrangement in place while the substantive proceedings continue.
