TMC groups move EC for control of party

Former Bengal Chief Minister for 15 years and founder of Trinamool Congress(TMC) Mamata Banerjee is seriously locked in internal confrontation against rival faction led by TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, who is claiming his faction if real TMC. Both the factions moved to the Election Commission as well as High Court for justice.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 24 June 2026, 3:27 PM IST

TMC groups move EC for control of party

New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the rebel group led by West Bengal leader of opposition Ritabrata Banerjee filed competing national working committee lists with the Election Commission On Tuesday claiming legal control of the party, as well as party's name, assets and importently, party symbol.

Though Mamata founded the TMC in 1988,the rebel faction led by Ritabrata is having an upper hand, with majority MLAs and MPs support,at a special plenary expelled Mamata from the post of chairperson and replaced by Arup Roy.

It is a worst ever political crisis for Mamata Banerjee, following a sudden revolt from within party, which she never anticipated. She lost the grip on the party and its cadres after her defeat in the recent assembly polls to BJP. One TMC MLA called Ritabrata Banerjee not only revolted but claiming his faction as the "Real" TMC. And the reality is 64 of the 80 TMC MLAs and 20 of the 28 Lok Sabha members are backing rebel group led by Ritabrata.

Meanwhile, EC officials indicating that the Commission will adjudicate rival claims under paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols(reservation and allotment)order 1968, to examine strength in the organisational and legislative wings. The rebel faction holds 81% of TMC legislators and 71% of its Lok Sabha members. Further,20 rebel MPs declared that they are going to merge with NCPI and would support NDA.

Under the ECI rules, the winning faction inherits the party name, party symbol, registered voter base, and official recognition, while the losing faction must register as a new party under a temporary free symbol.

It may be noted for the last two weeks, there has been expulsions and suspensions of the party leaders from both sides. With the rank and file of TMC was against the nephew of Mamata and party general secretary Abhishek banerjee, and as a result the support base for rebel group increased considerably.

on the other hand, the Assembly speaker recognised Ritabrata as the main opposition leader. The Calcutta High court refused the TMC's request for an interim stay on Ritabrata's recognition as leader of the opposition. Ritabrata stated that he has plans to establish district committees, a state unit, and panel of spokespersons.

Both cases are pending, with next High Court hearing scheduled for July 28.