The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken an interim decision to freeze the All India Trinamool Congress's (TMC) traditional 'Jora Phool' (twin flowers on grass) election symbol. This move, announced on September 18, 2026, comes amidst an escalating dispute over the party's organizational control and identity between two rival factions.
Under the temporary arrangement, the ECI has allotted distinct names and symbols to the competing groups. The faction led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will now contest under the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and utilize the 'football player' symbol. Conversely, the rebel faction, spearheaded by Ritabrata Banerjee, has been assigned the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the 'envelope' symbol.
Dispute's Origin and ECI's Rationale
The internal strife within the Trinamool Congress intensified following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Ritabrata Banerjee, a first-time MLA who was subsequently expelled from the party, emerged as the figurehead of the dissenting group. This faction challenged the existing leadership's decisions and claimed changes to the party's organizational structure, including the removal of Mamata Banerjee as chairperson. Supporters of Mamata Banerjee have rejected these claims, reaffirming her leadership.
The ECI's interim order was issued after both factions submitted nomination documents for upcoming elections, each claiming entitlement to the TMC's name and symbol. The poll panel stated that this temporary measure aims to ensure a level playing field for both groups while safeguarding their respective rights and interests until a final resolution to the dispute is reached.
Impact on Upcoming Bypolls
This decision by the Election Commission is particularly pertinent as it precedes bypolls scheduled for October 6 in West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, as well as the Nagaon parliamentary constituency in Assam. With the original TMC name and 'Jora Phool' symbol temporarily unavailable, candidates from both the Mamata and Ritabrata factions will be required to use their newly allotted identities for these crucial elections.
The ECI has clarified that this arrangement is provisional and will remain in effect while the commission deliberates on the competing claims to the party's organizational identity, in accordance with the provisions of the Election Symbols Order, 1968. A final ruling on which faction is ultimately entitled to use the original TMC name and 'Flowers and Grass' symbol is still pending.