The TMC split: Why Mamata’s party name & symbol are frozen | The Hindu Editorial
The Election Commission of India has frozen the name and symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress following a leadership dispute. The order prevents both rival factions from using the party's branding until the matter is resolved.
Why it matters
This decision significantly impacts the political landscape in India, as it halts the official campaigning and organizational activities of a major regional party.
Almost 28 years after Mamata Banerjee set up the All India Trinamool Congress and designed its symbol of ‘grass and flowers’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 17, 2026, froze the party’s name and symbol. The 14-page order stated that since two rival groups — one led by Ms. Banerjee and the other by Arup Roy — are now claiming to be the party, the matter requires “substantive determination”, and neither group can use the party’s name or symbol.
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