EC Orders Rival Trinamool Factions to Choose New Names, Symbols Ahead of Bypolls

NEW DELHI — In a major blow to both factions of the All India Trinamool Congress, the Election Commission of India has issued an interim order freezing the party's iconic "Flowers and Grass" (Jora Ghas Phul) symbol and its official name. The decision comes right ahead of the upcoming Assembly by-elections in West Bengal, barring both rival groups from utilizing the parent party's identity.

Poll Body Intervenes Amid Leadership Rift

According to reports from The Hindu and NDTV, the election watchdog stepped in following an intensifying factional dispute within the party hierarchy after its 2026 electoral defeat. The primary contention features one faction led by party founder Mamata Banerjee, pitted against a rival splinter group led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Arup Roy, both claiming to represent the authentic political entity.

To ensure a level playing field and avoid voter confusion, the commission applied standard protocols used in past party splits, temporarily locking away the recognized name and visual identifier until a definitive ruling on structural majority is reached.

Immediate Impact on West Bengal Bypolls

As reported by TheWire.in and Rediff, the freeze order applies directly to the immediate legislative assembly byelections, notably affecting the high-stakes Nandigram and Rejinagar seats.

The poll body has directed both camps to immediately submit separate, distinct interim names and choose alternative graphics from the ECI's list of available free symbols. Consequently, candidates from both groups will campaign under entirely new banners for this election cycle while the legal battle over the legacy of the parent party continues at the commission's headquarters.