NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (EC) has given rival Trinamool Congress (TMC) factions until July 6, 2026, to file written claims and counter‑claims on party signatories and internal elections. The move follows a meeting in which rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee presented his group’s case, asserting that it represents the “real” TMC and enjoys the backing of a sizable number of state legislators. The EC’s directive signals that the commission will decide which faction, if any, will be recognised as the official state unit of the TMC for the upcoming 2026 Lok Sabha and West Bengal assembly elections.
What happened
On Tuesday the EC issued a formal notice asking each side to submit:
* A list of party members and office‑bearers it deems legitimate;
* Documentary proof of compliance with the Representation of the People Act and the TMC’s own constitution; and
* Details of any internal elections or appointments conducted since the split.
The commission said it will review the submissions before determining which faction, if either, will be recognised as the official TMC unit in West Bengal.
The request came after a meeting between EC officials and a delegation led by Ritabrata Banerjee, a former TMC MLA expelled in 2023. Banerjee claimed his faction commands the support of “more than 30 sitting TMC MLAs” and that it has held internal elections in line with party rules, positioning itself as the continuation of Mamata Banerjee’s original movement.
Mamata Banerjee’s camp, which retains control of the party’s headquarters in Kolkata, rejected the EC’s decision to meet the rebels. In a statement, the chief minister’s office called the commission’s approach “premature” and warned that it could legitimise a splinter group without due process. The statement also warned that recognising the Banerjee faction could “undermine the democratic mandate” earned by the TMC in the 2021 West Bengal assembly election.
Why it matters
The EC’s ruling will determine which group, if any, can use the TMC’s “grass‑green” election symbol—a key identifier for voters in a state where the party has dominated for more than a decade. Losing the symbol would force the main TMC to re‑brand for the 2026 national polls, potentially eroding its electoral base. Conversely, a decision favouring the Banerjee faction could encourage further defections from the main camp, strengthening rival parties such as the BJP or the Congress.
The dispute also tests the EC’s ability to manage intra‑party conflicts without appearing partisan. Past interventions, notably the 2022 Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra, drew criticism from parties that viewed the commission’s role as overreach. The EC maintains that a clear, legally recognised party structure is essential for free and fair elections, especially in a politically volatile state like West Bengal.
Background and context
The rift within the TMC traces back to 2023, when the party expelled several legislators, including Ritabrata Banerjee, for alleged anti‑party activities. Since then, Banerjee has organised a parallel structure, claiming to uphold the “original” ideals of Mamata Banerjee’s movement. The main TMC, led by the chief minister, continues to control the official party apparatus, including the headquarters in Kolkata and the state‑wide organisational hierarchy.
Intra‑party disputes are not new in Indian politics, but they acquire heightened significance when they involve a party that currently holds both the state government and a substantial presence in the national parliament. The EC’s involvement is procedural: under the Representation of the People Act, a party must have a recognised organisational structure and a valid symbol to contest elections. When disputes arise, the commission can intervene to verify membership rolls and the legality of internal elections.
Competing claims and uncertainty
Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction alleges that it represents the “real” TMC, citing support from more than 30 sitting MLAs and the conduct of internal elections that adhered to the party constitution. The group plans to submit membership registers, minutes of meetings, and election results as evidence.
Mamata Banerjee’s camp contends that the EC’s decision to meet the rebels was “premature” and potentially influenced by political considerations. The chief minister’s office argues that the main TMC remains the legitimate continuation of the party’s founding principles and that the Banerjee faction lacks sufficient documentary proof of its claim to the symbol and organisational structure.
Uncertainty remains over several points:
1. Exact numbers of supporting legislators – Both sides claim backing from a substantial number of MLAs, but independent verification is pending.
2. Validity of internal elections – The Banerjee faction says its elections complied with the party constitution; the main camp disputes the procedural integrity of those elections.
3. Potential EC bias – Critics have previously accused the commission of overstepping in internal party matters; the EC has defended its role as neutral and legally mandated.
What to watch next
* July 6 submissions – The deadline will reveal the depth of documentary evidence each side can marshal. Watch for filings that include membership lists, election minutes, and any legal opinions.
* EC’s interim assessment – The commission may issue a preliminary report before a final decision, indicating which aspects of the claims are most contentious.
* Political reactions – Both the main TMC and the Banerjee faction are likely to launch public campaigns, possibly involving rallies or statements in the state legislature, to sway public opinion and pressure the EC.
* Potential court challenges – If the EC’s final ruling favours one side, the aggrieved faction could seek judicial review in the Calcutta High Court, extending the dispute into the legal arena.
* Impact on the 2026 election calendar – The EC must resolve the issue well before the filing of nominations for the Lok Sabha polls, typically scheduled for early 2026, to avoid last‑minute symbol changes that could confuse voters.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s July 6 deadline marks a critical juncture in a power struggle that could reshape West Bengal’s political landscape. Whether the “real” Trinamool Congress is the faction led by Mamata Banerjee or the rebel group headed by Ritabrata Banerjee will hinge on the strength of documentary evidence and the commission’s interpretation of party‑constitution provisions. The outcome will affect not only the allocation of the coveted grass‑green symbol but also the broader dynamics of party cohesion, voter perception, and the EC’s role in adjudicating intra‑party disputes ahead of the 2026 national elections.
Sources
Times of India, “Which faction is ‘real’ Trinamool Congress? EC seeks claims, counterclaims from rival camps by July 6,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/which-faction-is-real-trinamool-congress-ec-seeks-claims-counterclaims-from-rival-camps-by-july-6/articleshow/132141649.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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