- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Mamata opposes EC extension for Ritabrata faction in TMC dispute.
- Alleges unequal treatment, EC silence benefits rebel group.
- Rebel faction failed to submit response by extended deadline.
Amid the ongoing dispute over the claim to be the 'real' Trinamool Congress, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Election Commission, urging it not to grant any further extension to the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. She alleged that the Commission’s silence even after the extended deadline was effectively giving the rebel group unnecessary relief.
Ritabrata Banerjee has requested a further 1 days from the Election Commission to submit its response, Jagran.com reported. Although the Election Commission has not yet responded to their request, experts believe that the Commission may grant them some more time.
The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction had approached the Election Commission on July 2, claiming recognition as the 'real' Trinamool Congress and seeking approval for organisational changes made during a special meeting held on June 22. Following this, the Commission asked both factions to submit their responses by 5:30 pm on July 6.
Mamata Faction Submits Reply On Time
The Mamata Banerjee faction submitted its response within the given deadline, while the rebel faction was granted an extension until 5:30 pm on July 10. In a letter dated July 12, Mamata said that even two days after the deadline, her faction hadn’t received any response from the rival group.
She argued that the Commission had directed both sides to exchange copies of their submissions. According to her, the absence of any response from the rebel faction suggested that it had failed to submit its reply within the extended timeline.
Mamata Raises Concerns Over Unequal Treatment
The former Chief Minister alleged that her faction was given only two-and-a-half working days to prepare its response, whereas the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction received additional time. She claimed that the Commission’s continued silence after July 10 indicated that the rebel faction was being given further leeway.
Rejecting the rebel faction’s claims, the Mamata faction said the organisational committees formed in 2022 remain valid until 2027 under the party constitution. It maintained that the argument that these committees would expire in 2025 was both legally and factually incorrect.