Ritabrata faction welcomes Trinamool name and symbol freeze; Mamata faction calls move contrary to law

Two factions of Trinamool Congress making claims over the party name and symbol have come up with contrary views on the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision to freeze the party’s name and symbol.

The Commission on September 17 barred both factions — Mamata Banerjee-led faction and Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of the party from using the party symbol and name in the coming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal scheduled on October 6.

The Ritabrata Banerjee faction of the party, which has the support of the majority of legislators in the State Assembly, seemed to welcome the move. Ritabrata Banerjee in a social media post hailed the values of democracy enshrined in the Constitution.

“Politics is a permanent war; a war at every hour; a war at every minute; a war at every second – a war that changes interests, needs and priorities. Long Live the eternal ideas & values of Democracy enshrined in India’s Constitution,” said Mr. Banerjee, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

Opposition Chief Whip and a leader of Ritabrata faction, Akhruzzaman, expressed hope that in future the faction will get the ‘grass and twin flower’ symbol of the party. “We accept the order by the EC. Obviously, we wanted the twin-flower-on-grass symbol. But the EC for the time being has given an interim order. We are confident that when the EC gives its final verdict, we will get the official and original name and symbol of the party,” mR. Akhruzzaman said.

Trinamool Congress MP and Mamata Banerjee loyalist, Kalyan Banerjee said the faction considers that there are several legal infirmities in the order. “This order is contrary to law. We are not accepting it as there are so many legal infirmities. Facts have not been placed in the order. But at times you have to accept things which may not be in adherence to norms, rules and law for a temporary period. We will give our answer and let you know by tomorrow at 11 a.m.,” he said.

Another Mamata loyalist and MLA Kunal Ghosh said that they have Mamata Banerjee on their side and assured the supporters that the party supremo has planS B, C, and D ready. 

Mr. Ghosh, a sharp critic of Ritabrata Banerjee, said that the rebel faction should apply for ‘pillow’ as a symbol of the party from the ECI, which is listed at number 116 in list of symbols of the commission. 

Meanwhile, as per the ECI directive both the factions have sent alternative names and symbols to the Commission. Both the groups were asked to send a list of three names and symbols. While the Ritabrata Banerjee faction wants ‘ Trinamool’ to remain in the alternative names, the faction led by the former Chief Minister wants ‘Mamata’ in the alternative name.