Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The Trinamool Congress’ battle for control of its name, organisation and iconic election symbol has entered a decisive phase, with the Election Commission set to hear rival factions on September 12—just days before nominations close for the crucial Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls.
The high-stakes hearing could determine which faction gets to use the Trinamool Congress name and its ‘Jora Ghash Phool’ (twin flowers on grass) symbol in the October 6 contests. The two factions, led by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee and rebel leader and Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, have both claimed to represent the “real” Trinamool Congress.
The timing has added urgency to the dispute. The Election Commission has scheduled polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar for October 6, with counting on October 9. The nomination process began on September 9 and the last date for filing papers is September 16.
Symbol or independent fight?
The possibility of the dispute spilling directly into the bypolls has emerged as a major concern for both camps. The Ritabrata faction has staked its claim to the TMC name and symbol but has also indicated that it is prepared to contest as independents if the Commission does not recognise its claim before the nomination deadline.
That could create an unprecedented electoral situation in which rival groups seek votes while claiming the legacy of the same
Congress eyes opening
The uncertainty within the TMC has also created space for the Congress and Left parties to attempt a comeback in the two constituencies. Congress sources have indicated an interest in contesting both seats, turning the bypolls into a potentially multi-cornered contest.
For the BJP, the elections offer an opportunity to consolidate the gains made in the Assembly polls, particularly in Nandigram. The party has already begun strengthening its organisational machinery in the area, with Suvendu Adhikari given responsibility for the Tamluk organisational district, which includes Nandigram.
A decision on the party’s name and symbol could shape not just the Nandigram and Rejinagar contests, but also determine who controls the political legacy, organisation and electoral machinery of the TMC going forward.
For Bengal, the October 6 bypolls may therefore be more than two constituency contests—they could become the first ballot-box test of who truly controls the Trinamool Congress.