EC Freezes TMC Name and Symbol, Assigning Mamata and Rebel Camp Separate Bypoll Identities
The TMC symbol freeze, ordered by the Election Commission of India on the night of Thursday, September 17, 2026, bars both warring factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the party's name and its twin-flower symbol. A day later, the commission gave each camp a temporary identity so candidates can contest the October 6 bypolls. Mamata Banerjee's faction will be "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" with a football player symbol. The rebel camp, led politically by Ritabrata Banerjee, will be "Democratic Trinamool Congress" with an envelope. The order is interim and does not decide which side owns the party.
What the Election Commission actually ordered
After hearing both sides on Thursday, the commission said the dispute needs a full determination under the Election Symbols (Rese...