TMC Party Symbol, Name Frozen by EC; Here's Why

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has temporarily frozen the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party name and its reserved 'Flowers & Grass' election symbol amid an ongoing dispute between rival factions ahead of the West Bengal Assembly by-elections.

The interim order means that neither faction can contest the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls using the name 'All India Trinamool Congress' or the party's reserved symbol. The bypolls are scheduled for October 6.

Why Has EC Frozen TMC Name And Symbol?

The Election Commission said it has identified two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress, with both claiming to represent the recognised political party. The dispute over the party's organisational control and electoral identity requires a substantive determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. ECI Freezes TMC ‘Name’ and ‘Symbol’ for Both Factions Ahead of Nandigram, Rejinagar Assembly Bypolls.

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However, with the bypolls approaching, the Commission said there was insufficient time to complete the full proceedings before the elections. It therefore issued an interim arrangement to ensure both factions are treated on an equal footing until a final decision is reached.

What Has EC Asked TMC Factions To Do?

Both factions have been directed to submit three alternative names, in order of preference, by 11 am on September 18. The Commission may approve one name for each group for the purpose of the bypolls. Will 17 Rebel TMC MPs Join BJP? Anti-Defection Law Puts Big Hurdle in the Way.

The factions have also been asked to provide three choices of free election symbols from the Commission's notified list. One symbol will subsequently be allotted to candidates fielded by each faction.

What Happens To TMC's Original Symbol?

The freeze is an interim measure and not a final decision on which faction is entitled to the TMC's official identity. The Commission will continue proceedings under Paragraph 15 before determining which faction, if any, should be recognised as the political party entitled to the original name and reserved symbol.

The development comes just weeks before the West Bengal bypolls and means voters in Nandigram and Rejinagar will see the two rival factions contest under separate names and symbols for the time being.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 12:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).