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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked both rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) to submit their responses regarding competing claims over the party’s organisational elections and authorised signatories. The move marks the beginning of the poll body’s formal examination of the internal dispute within the party.
According to the Election Commission, both factions have been directed to file their written responses by 5:30 pm on July 6.
Organisational Elections at the Centre of Dispute
The dispute revolves around claims made by the two factions over the legitimacy of the party’s organisational elections and the authority to represent the Trinamool Congress before the Election Commission.
One faction is led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while the rival camp is headed by senior leader Ritabrata Banerjee, who claims that his group has the support of a majority of the party’s legislators.
The Election Commission has sought written explanations from both sides before taking any further action.
Rival Claims Before the Poll Body
The rebel faction recently met the full bench of the Election Commission in New Delhi and submitted documents supporting its claim to represent the “real” Trinamool Congress.
The group has argued that it enjoys the backing of more than two-thirds of the party’s MLAs and organisational members. It has also claimed that organisational changes carried out during a special party meeting were valid under the party constitution.
Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction has questioned the legitimacy of the rebel group’s claims and challenged its authority to approach the Election Commission.
TMC Leadership Questions EC Meeting
Leaders loyal to Mamata Banerjee have objected to the Election Commission granting a hearing to the rebel faction.
They argued that only officially authorised signatories of a recognised political party can represent the organisation before the Election Commission. The ruling faction has maintained that the rebel leaders had already been expelled from the party and therefore had no authority to seek recognition.
The Election Commission has not commented on the merits of either side’s arguments and has instead sought formal responses from both camps.
What the Election Commission Will Examine
The Election Commission is expected to examine several aspects before reaching a decision.
These include the validity of the organisational elections, the party constitution, lists of office-bearers, documentary evidence submitted by both factions, and the extent of legislative and organisational support enjoyed by each side.
The Commission may also consider affidavits from elected representatives and party office-bearers before determining which faction, if any, should be recognised as the official Trinamool Congress.
Possible Impact on Party Symbol
The ongoing dispute could also affect the ownership of the Trinamool Congress’s election symbol.
Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, the Election Commission has the authority to decide disputes arising from splits within recognised political parties.
If the Commission finds that the dispute cannot be resolved immediately, it may temporarily freeze the party’s election symbol until a final decision is reached.
Political Significance
The development has significant political implications for West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress has remained the dominant political force for years.
A prolonged dispute over the party’s leadership, organisational structure, and election symbol could influence upcoming elections and reshape the state’s political landscape.
Political analysts believe the Election Commission’s eventual decision could have a major impact on the future direction of the party.
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What Happens Next
Both factions must submit their written responses by the July 6 deadline.
After examining the documents and evidence presented by both sides, the Election Commission may hold further hearings before delivering its decision on the competing claims.
Until then, the dispute over the Trinamool Congress’s organisational elections and authorised signatories remains under the Commission’s consideration.
The outcome is expected to play a crucial role in determining which faction will be recognised as the official Trinamool Congress for electoral purposes and whether any action regarding the party’s election symbol becomes necessary.
