The Election Commission’s interim decision to freeze the ‘Trinamool Congress’ name and its traditional “Flowers and Grass” symbol has triggered sharp political reactions ahead of the West Bengal bypolls.
The ECI said rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy cannot use the “All India Trinamool Congress” name or its reserved symbol until the dispute over the party’s control is settled. Both groups have been asked to submit three preferred names and three free symbols for the October 6 elections. The arrangement is intended to keep both sides on an equal footing while the larger dispute remains pending.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the move on X, alleging that the BJP and ECI were following a similar pattern seen in earlier party disputes involving the Shiv Sena and NCP. He described the development as “party theft” and linked it to his wider concerns over electoral processes.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also questioned the decision, calling it a “birthday gift” to the country from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls are scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9.
