EC accepts TMC split, freezes name, symbol in interim order

NEW DELHI: Election Commission Friday froze All India Trinamool Congress's reserved "flowers and grass" poll symbol after acknowledging a split between factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy.Pending final settlement, neither faction can use AITC's name or symbol. For Oct 6 assembly bypolls in Rejinagar and Nandigram, where both have fielded candidates under TMC's name, each may choose a different name linked to AITC and a symbol from EC's free-symbol list. The groups must submit three name and symbol options in order of preference by 11am Friday. Returning officers will complete scrutiny of nominations after EC approves and allots the names and symbols.EC said two rival groups each claimed to be the "real" party, requiring substantive determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. It said the interim measure, based on precedents, would place them on an "even keel".The dispute centres on Ritabrata Banerjee's challenge to the national working committee's authority to make appointments on June 5-2026. His group claimed its tenure expired on Feb 11, 2025, and reconstituted it under Roy on June 22-2026.Mamata's faction said the committee had a five-year tenure ending in 2027. Both sides have made submissions.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.