EC meets both Trinamool factions, seeks more documents from Ritabrata grouping
The Election Commission of India is reviewing competing claims from two Trinamool Congress factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee regarding the party's name and symbol. The commission has requested additional documentation ahead of the upcoming bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
Why it matters
Internal party disputes over symbols and legitimacy can significantly alter the landscape of regional elections and voter alignment.
The Election Commission on Saturday (September 12, 2026) met both factions of the Trinamool Congress, led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Ritabrata Banerjee, over their claim to the party name and symbol. The poll body has sought additional documents from the Ritabrata faction.
The ECI met the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee first.
He said that his delegation made oral submissions before the full EC bench and responded to its queries. It showed certain documents during the deliberations, and the Commission also asked it to furnish additional papers before the end of the day.
The meetings come ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar, for which the nomination process began on Wednesday and closes on September 16.
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