The Election Commission (EC) has issued formal notices to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), demanding a response by July 6 regarding alleged misuse of the party's election symbol. The notices stem from complaints about unauthorized use of the TMC's official symbol, the "jora ghas phul" (two flowers and grass), during recent political activities.
Background of the Dispute
The TMC has been embroiled in a factional feud since a split in the party earlier this year. Ritabrata Banerjee, a former TMC MP, leads a breakaway group that claims legitimacy as the original TMC. Both factions have been using the party's name and symbol, leading to confusion among voters and party workers. The EC had previously frozen the symbol in February 2026, but recent reports indicated both groups continued to use it in public events and campaigns.
According to EC sources, the notices were issued after a detailed review of complaints filed by rival factions. The commission has given both parties until July 6 to explain why they should not be barred from using the symbol. Failure to respond could result in the symbol being deregistered or allocated to a neutral group.
Impact on West Bengal Politics
The development comes ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, where the TMC is seeking a third consecutive term under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. The factional feud has weakened the party's organizational structure, with several leaders switching sides. Political analysts say the EC's intervention could further polarize the TMC base. "The symbol dispute is not just a legal issue but a political one that could affect voter perception," said Dr. Suman Chatterjee, a political science professor at Calcutta University.
Ritabrata Banerjee, who was expelled from the TMC in January 2026, has been rallying support from disgruntled party workers. He has claimed that Mamata Banerjee's leadership has become authoritarian and that his faction represents the true ideals of the party. The EC notice adds a new layer of complexity to this internal power struggle.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
The EC's action is based on Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which empowers the commission to decide disputes over party symbols. In cases of factionalism, the EC typically conducts a test of majority support among party members and elected representatives. However, in this instance, the commission has opted for a direct notice to both factions, signaling its intent to resolve the matter swiftly.
Legal experts note that the EC has the authority to freeze symbols, recognize splinter groups, or even deregister a party if symbol misuse persists. "The July 6 deadline is crucial. Both sides must present their case clearly, or risk losing the symbol entirely," said advocate Priya Sharma, a Supreme Court lawyer specializing in election law.
Reactions from Both Camps
The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has dismissed the notice as a routine procedural matter. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "We will submit our response within the deadline. The symbol belongs to the original TMC, and there is no question of misuse." Meanwhile, Ritabrata Banerjee's faction welcomed the EC's move, calling it a step towards fairness. "The EC has finally taken notice of our complaints. We are confident that justice will prevail," said a spokesperson for Ritabrata Banerjee.
Political observers believe that the EC's decision could have a significant impact on the upcoming elections. If the symbol is awarded to one faction, it could consolidate votes and strengthen that group's position. Conversely, if the symbol is frozen, both factions would have to contest under new symbols, potentially splitting the TMC vote bank.
Next Steps
The EC has scheduled a hearing for July 10 to review the responses. Depending on the submissions, the commission may call for a meeting of party representatives or conduct a verification of membership records. The final decision is expected before the end of July, allowing parties time to prepare for the election season.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the two TMC factions. The outcome of this symbol dispute will not only determine the immediate future of the party but also shape the political landscape of West Bengal for years to come.
