The Kalighat camp of the Trinamool Congress had earlier said it would not accept the Election Commission’s decision to freeze the party’s name and its “twin flowers on grass” symbol.
However, amid the situation created by the Commission’s order, the faction led by Mamata Banerjee has submitted alternative names and symbols for the party.
Both camps respond to Election Commission order
According to sources, the Kalighat camp emailed the Election Commission a list of three possible party names and three alternative symbols. Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction also submitted its choices to the Commission on Friday morning.
EC list contains 184 free symbols
Sources in the Kalighat camp said the faction remains strongly opposed to the Commission’s decision. Mamata Banerjee reportedly wrote to the Commission on Thursday night, expressing her objections and mentioning the three proposed names and symbols.
Mamata camp considers retaining letter M
According to the sources, the Kalighat camp is considering a new party name that would retain the letter “M”. The faction has also conveyed its objections to the Commission and is reportedly keeping open the option of approaching the court over the matter.
Ritabrata faction proposes two party names
The Ritabrata Banerjee faction is reportedly considering names such as “Ganatantrik Trinamool Congress” and “West Bengal Trinamool Congress.” The faction submitted its choices on Friday morning.
Commission to examine both factions’ choices
The Election Commission has a list of 184 free symbols available for allocation. The list includes symbols such as an AC, almirah, apple, bangle, computer, CCTV camera, battery torch, cake, biscuit, capsicum, binoculars, coat and earrings.
TMC’s familiar symbol remains temporarily frozen
According to reports, the Ritabrata faction has sought the envelope, blackboard and torch as possible symbols. The envelope is currently used by the ISF, while the torch is generally allotted to SUCI candidates when applicable.
The Commission will now examine the names and symbols proposed by both factions before taking a decision on their allocation.
Mamata loses twin-flower symbol after 28 years
Mamata Banerjee had drawn the twin-flower symbol herself when she founded the Trinamool Congress in 1998. After 28 years, the symbol has been temporarily frozen amid the ongoing organisational dispute.
Both factions can retain Trinamool connection
The upcoming bypolls in two Assembly constituencies will therefore be the first such elections in Bengal in nearly three decades in which candidates contesting under the Trinamool Congress name will not use the familiar twin-flower symbol, according to the report.
Mamata faction’s final name remains undisclosed
Although the name “All India Trinamool Congress” has also been frozen for now, both factions can choose alternative names retaining a connection with the word “Trinamool”. The exact name selected by the Mamata Banerjee-led camp, however, has not yet been disclosed.
