The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated proceedings in the escalating dispute within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the party's symbol, organisational control and competing claims to legitimacy, issuing notices to both rival factions seeking their responses by July 6.
The Commission has directed the faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the rival group headed by Ritabrata Banerjee to submit written statements and their specific views by 5.30 pm on July 6, according to sources.
The move follows a series of claims and counterclaims by the two camps over the party's internal organisational elections, authorised signatories and control of the organisation.
Earlier on Thursday, a delegation led by Ritabrata Banerjee met Election Commission officials at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi and submitted documents which, it claimed, showed the support of more than two-thirds of the party's organisational structure. The faction also submitted details of a newly constituted organisational committee.
However, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction has strongly disputed those claims, setting the stage for a legal and procedural battle over control of the party and its election symbol.
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According to the Commission's communication, the submissions are intended to help determine which faction enjoys legitimate organisational authority, including administrative and financial control over the party.
The dispute over the TMC's 'Twin-Flower' symbol and party organisation has intensified in recent weeks amid changing political developments in West Bengal, making the Commission's intervention a crucial step in resolving the impasse.
Confirming receipt of the notice, Ritabrata Banerjee said his faction would comply with the Commission's directions within the stipulated deadline.
"The Election Commission is the apex regulatory body. We will certainly submit our statement," he said.
Leaders from the Mamata Banerjee camp, including Saugata Roy, Sagarika Ghose and Derek O'Brien, said they were not immediately aware of the communication.
A senior leader from the faction questioned the timing of the notice, pointing out that it came on the same day as Ritabrata Banerjee's meeting with the Commission. The leader said it remained to be seen whether the dispute would be resolved before the party's July 21 Martyrs' Day rally.
The Commission is expected to examine the submissions before taking a decision on the rival claims over the party's organisation and election symbol.
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