EC calls both TMC factions, dispute over name, symbol may be resolved before bypoll nomination deadline
Times of India | 10 September 2026Without a resolution during the nomination process, neither faction will likely be permitted to contest the bypolls under the party’s name and symbol, said another official.
On Wednesday, a team from TMC’s Ritabrata faction met Bengal chief electoral officer (CEO) Neelam Meena and urged her to ensure free, fair and peaceful bypolls. It also submitted a formal plea, bearing the signature of MLA Arup Ray, to EC as All India Trinamool Congress. The faction indicated that it will field a candidate for Nandigram bypoll, adding that it will refrain from contesting only if Mamata Banerjee herself contests Nandigram poll.
Mamata Banerjee loyalists, meanwhile, continued to maintain a hardline stance. Party spokesperson Anirban Banerjee told reporters, “The EC had sought replies on July 6. They (the rebel camp) failed to reply. Today is Sept 9. Why is the delay being allowed? Is there some understanding? Trinamool Congress is legally and ethically Mamata Banerjee’s. We will watch the developments, and if necessary, we will fight this battle in the courts.”
Party MP Mahua Moitra said, “First, EC deleted 27 lakh Bengal voters. Now it is the arbitrator of party symbol dispute.”
On Aug 18, a Calcutta High Court division bench of justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta ruled that Ritabrata’s appointment as LoP is provisional. The bench questioned the Speaker’s delay and failure to consult both factions, instructing the single bench of Justice Krishna Rao to make a final ruling within two months while noting that an established political party — not a breakaway group — holds the authority to nominate its leader. The two-month timeframe ends on Oct 18.
Formal notifications for the bypolls were issued on Wednesday, marking the start of the nomination process. The last date for filing nominations is Sept 16, with scrutiny taking place on Sept 17. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until Sept 19.
