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Trinamool Name Symbol Fight Threatens Bengal Bypoll Plans
Two groups are arguing over who should control the Trinamool Congress party.
They both want to use the party’s name and its twin-flowers-and-grass symbol.
The Election Commission of India must decide what happens to the name and symbol.
Because the elections are close, experts say the commission may temporarily freeze them.
If that happens, both groups could receive different temporary names and symbols.
The two groups are expected to contest elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
Mamata Banerjee has announced candidates for both seats.
The groups are also fighting over party offices and documents.
The Election Commission may hold another hearing before making a decision.
The two Trinamool Congress factions are likely to contest the Nandigram and Rejinagar by-elections under temporary names and symbols.
Election Commission officials asked both factions for additional documents by 3pm on the nomination deadline.
The commission may hold another hearing before deciding the factions’ claims over the party name, symbol and assets.
Former election officials and a senior Supreme Court advocate said the commission would generally freeze the disputed name and symbol during an impending election.
The factions have also clashed over control of party offices in Baharampur and Kolkata ahead of the October 6 by-elections.
- Who
- The Mamata Banerjee-led and Ritabrata Banerjee-led factions of the Trinamool Congress, with the Election Commission of India overseeing the dispute.
- What
- A dispute over control of the Trinamool Congress name, election symbol and assets ahead of two Assembly by-elections.
- Where
- The contested seats are Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal; related party-office clashes occurred in Baharampur and Kolkata.
- When
- The by-elections are scheduled for October 6; the nomination deadline was Wednesday, and the symbol decision was expected by September 19.
- Why
- Both factions asked to retain or control the party name and symbol, but the Election Commission has not yet completed its decision.
Mamata-led faction
Ritabrata-led faction
Control of party identity
Mamata-led faction
The faction led by Trinamool founder Mamata Banerjee is seeking recognition in the dispute over the party name and symbol.
Ritabrata-led faction
The faction led by Bengal Opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee is seeking recognition as the “Ashol,” or real, Trinamool and has urged a decision before the by-elections.
Use of party offices
Mamata-led faction
The Mamata-led side has said the Election Commission’s process could create complications if the name and symbol are frozen.
Ritabrata-led faction
The Ritabrata-led faction took control of the party office in Baharampur, while the article also reports that it had taken control of the headquarters near Kolkata’s EM Bypass.
By-election strategy
Mamata-led faction
Mamata Banerjee has fielded Rabiul Alam Chowdhury from Rejinagar and Sanchita De Pradhan from Nandigram.
Ritabrata-led faction
The faction is expected to contest the same by-elections, potentially using a temporary name and symbol if the commission freezes the disputed identity.
Key facts
- By-election date
- October 6
- Contested seats
- Nandigram and Rejinagar
- Disputed assets
- The Trinamool Congress name, election symbol and party assets
- Election symbol
- The Trinamool’s twin-flowers-and-grass symbol
- Commission action
- Both factions were asked to submit additional documents by 3pm on the nomination deadline
- Possible next step
- The Election Commission may summon both factions for another hearing
- Expected symbol deadline
- September 19
Quotes
S.Y. Quraishi
Former chief election commissioner of India
“It takes a long time for such decisions to be taken. In case an election is due, the standard practice is that the commission freezes the party name and symbol and allots temporary names and symbols to the factions.”
telegraphindia.com
“Generally in such cases the commission freezes the symbol. There is a whole gamut of decision-making involved.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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