Mamata Faction Submits New Choices To EC After TMC Name-Symbol Freeze For Bengal Bypoll

The Election Commission has temporarily barred both rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party’s name and its reserved “Flowers and Grass” symbol in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. The interim order applies to the October 6 elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, where both factions have fielded candidates. The Mamata Banerjee-led camp has rejected the order as contrary to law, while the rival faction has welcomed the move. The poll panel has directed both groups to choose separate names and symbols for the bypolls. They must submit three preferred options each. The arrangement will remain in force until the Commission takes a final decision on the dispute under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols Order, 1968.