NEW DELHI, SEP 17 (AGENCIES): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday barred both rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress from using the party’s name and its reserved “Flowers & Grass” symbol for the upcoming bye elections, pending a final determination of the organisational dispute.
In an interim order, the Commission said there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by Shri Arup Roy, with both claiming to be the party. The Commission ordered that neither group would be permitted to use the name “All India Trinamool Congress” simplicitor. It also said neither group would be allowed to use the “Flowers & Grass” symbol, which is the reserved symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress.
Instead, the two groups can choose separate names for their respective organisations. The Commission said they may also choose names that retain a linkage with their parent party, “All India Trinamool Congress”. For the bye elections, both groups will also be allotted different symbols from the free symbols notified by the Election Commission. The order is intended to remain in force until the Commission makes a final determination of the dispute under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.
The Commission has directed both factions to submit their preferred names and symbols by 11:00 AM on September 18, 2026.
Each group has been asked to provide three name options in order of preference and three free symbols, also in order of preference. The Commission will approve one name and allot one symbol to each group.
The order comes ahead of the ongoing bye elections, with the Commission noting that there was not enough time to complete the proceedings under Para 15 but that the dispute over the use of the party name and symbol required an urgent interim arrangement.
Saturday, September 19, 2026