2 hrs ago
Election Commission Hears Trinamool Factions Over Name, Symbol
The Election Commission of India is trying to decide which Trinamool Congress group should use the party’s name and symbol.
Two groups say they represent the party.
The group led by Ritabrata Banerjee says it is the larger group.
The group led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee says it is the original group.
The commission will hear them separately in New Delhi on Thursday.
It has asked both groups to bring more documents.
The commission might give the name and symbol to one group, delay the decision, or freeze them.
A group unhappy with the decision may ask the Supreme Court to review it.
The Election Commission of India will separately hear two Trinamool Congress factions in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon.
The faction led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee is scheduled to appear at 3 p.m., followed by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction at 4 p.m.
Both groups were asked to submit additional documents for the final round of arguments after a September 12 hearing.
The commission could award the party name and symbol to either faction, maintain the status quo, or freeze both.
Political observers expect any adverse decision to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
- Who
- The Election Commission of India and two Trinamool Congress factions: one led by Ritabrata Banerjee and another led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.
- What
- The commission is holding final hearings on which faction should receive the Trinamool Congress name and party symbol.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- When
- Thursday afternoon; the factions are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., following an earlier hearing on September 12.
- Why
- The factions dispute control of the party, and the commission requested additional documents before deciding the matter.
Rebel Faction
Mamata-led Faction
Claim to party control
Rebel Faction
The faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is described as the “rebel but majority” faction.
Mamata-led Faction
The faction led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee is described as the “original but minority” faction.
Claim to name and symbol
Rebel Faction
The faction is seeking recognition in the dispute over the Trinamool Congress name and symbol.
Mamata-led Faction
The faction is seeking to retain recognition as the original Trinamool Congress group.
Representation at hearing
Rebel Faction
Ritabrata Banerjee, Arup Roy, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Akhruzzaman and lawyer Aman Jha are expected to represent the faction.
Mamata-led Faction
Kalyan Banerjee will lead the delegation; the other four members had not been identified in the report.
Key facts
- First hearing time
- The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction is scheduled for 3 p.m.
- Second hearing time
- The Mamata Banerjee-led faction is scheduled for 4 p.m.
- Earlier hearing
- The Election Commission of India heard arguments on September 12 but made no decision.
- Documents
- Both factions were asked to submit additional documents for the final arguments.
- Possible outcomes
- The name and symbol could go to either faction, remain undecided for now, or be frozen.
- Potential legal challenge
- The aggrieved faction could move the Supreme Court against the decision.
Quotes
A city-based political observer
A political observer commenting on possible outcomes of the ECI hearing
“Any faction that would be aggrieved by the decision will surely move the Supreme Court against the decision. Right now, as I can see, there are four possibilities. The first two possibilities are that the ECI allots the party name and symbol to any of the two factions, which will automatically lead to a long legal battle. The second possibility is that the EC maintains the status quo in the matter for the time being and leaves the decision for later. The fourth possibility is that the Commission”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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