Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP, Election Commission Of Freezing TMC Identity
The Election Commission of India is handling a disagreement between two groups claiming to lead the All India Trinamool Congress.
It temporarily stopped both groups from using the party’s name and its “Flowers and Grass” symbol.
Rahul Gandhi said this was unfair and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the commission of weakening opposition parties.
He said the decision could hurt voters’ choices.
Gandhi also said the commission should protect election results.
Arvind Kejriwal separately questioned the fairness of winning elections in this way.
The order was made before bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
The restrictions will continue until the party dispute is settled.
The article does not report a response from the Bharatiya Janata Party to Gandhi’s accusations.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and Election Commission of India of working together to weaken opposition parties.
His criticism followed an interim order freezing the All India Trinamool Congress name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol.
The order bars rival factions led by Arup Roy and Mamata Banerjee from using the party name or symbol.
The Election Commission said the restrictions will remain until the leadership dispute is finally resolved.
Arvind Kejriwal also questioned whether elections could be won this way ahead of October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party and Election Commission of India; the dispute involves factions led by Arup Roy and Mamata Banerjee. Arvind Kejriwal also commented.
- What
- The Election Commission temporarily barred both rival factions from using the All India Trinamool Congress name and “Flowers and Grass” symbol.
- When
- The interim order was issued on Thursday, and Rahul Gandhi’s criticism was reported on Friday, ahead of October 6 bypolls.
- Where
- The rival factions were heard at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi; the referenced bypolls are in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
- Why
- The Election Commission issued the restrictions while resolving a leadership dispute over the All India Trinamool Congress.
Critics’ View
Election Commission’s Position
Effect on opposition parties
Critics’ View
Rahul Gandhi said the Bharatiya Janata Party and Election Commission of India were acting together to dismantle opposition forces and described the action as part of democratic decline.
Election Commission’s Position
The article does not report a response from the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Election Commission to these allegations.
Party name and symbol
Critics’ View
Rahul Gandhi argued that taking away a party’s identity and symbol harms voters and political parties.
Election Commission’s Position
The Election Commission’s interim order applies to both rival factions and prevents either side from using the disputed name and symbol while the leadership dispute is considered.
Election fairness
Critics’ View
Rahul Gandhi said the Election Commission was failing its constitutional responsibility to protect the voters’ mandate, while Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether elections could be won this way.
Election Commission’s Position
The commission held a hearing and sought final submissions before issuing its interim order; the article provides no further explanation of its reasoning.
- Authority involved
- Election Commission of India
- Interim restriction
- Both factions cannot use the All India Trinamool Congress name or “Flowers and Grass” symbol.
- Factions named
- Groups led by Arup Roy and Mamata Banerjee
- Rahul Gandhi’s allegation
- He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and Election Commission of India of joining forces to split opposition parties.
- Other critic
- Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether elections would be won this way.
- Upcoming bypolls
- October 6 elections were scheduled in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
- Status of dispute
- The restrictions apply until the leadership dispute is finally resolved.