TMC Row: EC Likely To Issue Interim Verdict On Thursday As Mamata, Ritabrata Field Candidates On Same Symbol For Bypoll

Ahead of the crucial bypoll in Nandigram and Rejinagar, the Election Commission of India is likely to issue an interim order on the 'do johar phool' (Twin-flower) symbol fight in the TMC on Thursday.

The two factions, led by LoP Ritabrata Banerjee and former CM Mamata Banerjee, have pitted candidates on both the seats on the same symbol.

The poll body has asked both the factions to remain present at a key meeting on Thursday. The Election Commission functionaries said that the poll body may allow either of the factions to use the symbol or hold it till the issue is decided.

The EC may also explore other options, they added. The election authority is yet to issue a formal declaration accepting a dispute in the TMC.

The issue has required urgent attention as the two factions had fielded candidates on the same symbol and the nomination forms have been submitted by their respective candidates.

ALSO READ: Bengal Bypolls: Rebel TMC Faction Names Candidates For Nandigram, Rejinagar As Fight Over Symbol Escalates

The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Thursday, when the poll authority is likely to take an ad hoc decision keeping in mind the bypolls, the functionaries said.

The dispute came to light on June 22, when Ritabrata Banerjee held a meeting of rebel leaders and announced the formation of a new National Working Committee. They had elected Arup Roy as its chairperson.

The Bengal LoP had claimed that the TMC was facing a 'constitutional crisis' as the National Working Committee had to be formed every three years under Article 20 of the party's law and the previous committee had completed its tenure in February 2025.

He stated that the committee was not renewed. Rejecting his assertions, the Mamata-led faction claimed that the rival faction was relying on an outdated provision and overlooking subsequent amendments to the party constitution.

The Mamata bloc also disputed the rival faction's claim regarding the composition of the party, saying public notices were issued during the organisational election process and all MPs and MLAs were made members of the TMC.

ALSO READ: TMC Crisis: 'Khela' In Bengal Likely Before Durga Puja As 17 Trinamool Rebels Set To Join BJP

Terming the June 22 meeting unconstitutional, the Mamata bloc emphasised that the prescribed multi-tier process for constituting the party's organisational committees was not followed.

The conflicting claims have led them to approach the poll body, which will decide on the question of the legitimacy of the meeting and, accordingly, the real and fake TMC.

(With PTI Inputs)