Election Commission bars both factions of Trinamool from using party name, symbol for byelections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has barred both factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the party's name and symbol in upcoming assembly by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, West Bengal. The commission asked both factions, led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and current Opposition Leader Ritabrata Banerjee, to submit alternative names and symbols by Friday.

The Congress called the decision a "bullet through the heart of Indian democracy," accusing the ECI of being a pawn of the BJP. The ECI order came after the factions met with the poll body for a hearing, the second in less than five days. Both groups are claiming to be the sole representative of the Trinamool Congress and have fielded candidates under the 'Joda Ghas Phool' symbol.

The EC's 14-page order stated that neither group can use the party name or the 'flowers and grass' symbol, and both must choose new names and symbols from the list of free symbols notified by the commission.