Election Commission freezes TMC name and symbol for both factions in Bengal bypolls
The Election Commission of India has issued an interim order barring both factions of the All India Trinamool Congress from using the party's name and reserved symbol ahead of upcoming Bengal bye-elections. One faction is led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by Arup Roy, with both claiming to represent the party.
Neither group will be allowed to use the "All India Trinamool Congress" name or the "Flowers & Grass" symbol. Instead, each faction must adopt separate names and choose from free symbols allocated by the Commission. Both groups have been directed to submit three preferred name options and three symbol choices by 11 AM on September 18.
The interim order remains in effect until the Commission makes a final determination of the organisational dispute under Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.
