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Twin flower symbol dispute puts Trinamool factions in direct confrontation
New Delhi: The Election Commission has announced by-elections for two West Bengal Assembly constituencies of Nandigram and Rejinagar. The announcement has created a fresh challenge for the Trinamool Congress, with a possible showdown between two rival factions over the party’s identity, name and election symbol.
The October 6 bypolls could force the Commission to take an urgent interim decision if both the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and the rebel group led by Ritabrata Banerjee decide to contest under separate banners. The development has added another layer of political uncertainty in Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress is already facing an internal power struggle.
The nomination process has opened a new political battle as sources indicate that both rival groups within the Trinamool Congress are likely to participate in the polls. The situation has brought the long-running dispute over the party’s ownership, name and election symbol into focus once again.
The Election Commission is already examining the dispute between the two groups claiming control over the Trinamool Congress. One faction is led by Mamata Banerjee, the founder of the party, while the other is led by rebel faction leader Ritabrata Banerjee.
If both groups nominate candidates for the bypolls using claims over the same party identity, the Election Commission may have to make an interim arrangement. Based on previous cases involving party symbol disputes, the poll panel could consider freezing the party symbol temporarily until a final decision is reached.
The Trinamool Congress’ “twin flower” symbol carries major political significance in West Bengal. For both factions, control over the symbol represents more than just an electoral identity, it reflects recognition, organisational control and voter connection.
A temporary freeze could force both groups to contest using different names and symbols until the Election Commission completes its proceedings.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction has submitted documents before the Election Commission, claiming it has sufficient evidence to establish its control over the party.
The faction has maintained that it represents the original Trinamool Congress founded under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction has sought additional time to complete its submissions before the Election Commission.
The bypolls are not only about winning two assembly seats but also about establishing political legitimacy. Nandigram, a high-profile constituency, became vacant after former Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s resignation.
Rejinagar seat fell vacant after suspended TMC MP Humayun Kabir left the position. The results could influence Bengal’s political narrative and provide momentum to whichever faction gains electoral advantage.
The internal dispute comes at a crucial time when political parties in West Bengal are preparing for future electoral battles. A prolonged symbol dispute could create confusion among party workers and voters. For Mamata Banerjee, protecting the party’s identity remains a major priority, while the rebel faction is attempting to establish its own political claim.
The possibility of a divided Trinamool Congress has attracted attention among political observers. Supporters of both sides are closely watching the Election Commission’s next move, as the decision could determine the future direction of the party. The bypolls may become the first major electoral test of whether the internal dispute impacts the party’s voter base.
The focus will now shift to candidate selection, nomination filings and the Election Commission’s response to the competing claims. If both factions contest the bypolls separately, the symbol dispute could become an immediate priority for the poll panel. The October 6 bypolls may ultimately decide not only the fate of two assembly seats but also the future political identity of Trinamool Congress.
