West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Election Commission's decision to freeze
the Trinamool Congress party's name and election symbol ahead of the upcoming bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls, scheduled to be held on October 6. Reacting to the Election Commission’s interim order, Banerjee described the development as a “black day” in India’s democratic history. She said that while she respected the constitutional position of the poll body, she strongly disagreed with the decision. The Election Commission on Thursday barred both the rival TMC factions from using the party’s existing name and the ‘Flowers and Grass’ symbol for the upcoming bypolls. “We don't disrespect the Constitutional Chair, but we feel today is a black day in our democratic history,” Banerjee said. Calling the development “unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and totally biased,” the former West Bengal Chief Minister alleged that the decision was aimed at satisfying the “ego of a political party.” Banerjee also directly hit out at the BJP, referring to an alleged earlier remark that she would not be allowed to retain either the party’s name or its symbol. "They (BJP) had said beforehand, ‘naam bhi rakhne nahi doonga, nishaan bhi nahi rakhne doonga.’ Who are these people?” Banerjee said.
EC Assigns New Symbols, Names For Rival TMC Factions
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday allotted separate names and election symbols to the two rival Trinamool Congress factions, following months of infighting. The ECI also recognised both groups as political parties in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura.
As per the ECI, the group led by Mamata Banerjee is allotted the "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" name and the "Football Player" symbol. Meanwhile, the group led by Arup Roy is allotted the "Democratic Trinamool Congress" name and the "Envelope" symbol.
