ECI freezes Trinamool Congress’ name and symbol

NEW DELHI, Sept 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has barred both rival factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the party’s name and reserved “Flowers and Grass” symbol in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.

In an interim order issued on Thursday, the Commission said neither the faction led by Mamata Banerjee nor the rival group led by Arup Roy would be permitted to use the name “All India Trinamool Congress” or its reserved election symbol until the dispute over control of the party is finally determined.

The Commission said the documents and claims submitted by both sides indicated the existence of two rival groups, with each claiming to represent the Trinamool Congress. It said the dispute required a substantive determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

As the proceedings could not be completed before the bypolls, the ECI ordered an interim arrangement to ensure that neither faction uses the original party identity during the election process.

Both groups have been directed to contest the bypolls under separate names and with different symbols allotted from the list of free symbols notified by the Commission. They were also asked to submit their preferred names and symbols by 11 am on September 18.

The Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls are scheduled for October 6. The interim arrangement will remain in force until the Commission reaches a final determination in the party dispute. (Agencies)