TMC Factions Get New Names, Symbols for Bypolls; Mamata Group Gets Football Player, Rebels Envelope

September 18, 2026

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allotted new names and election symbols to the two rival factions of the Trinamool Congress ahead of the upcoming bypolls, after barring both groups from using the party’s existing name and its reserved “Flowers and Grass” symbol.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction has been allotted the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol.

The faction led by Arup Roy has been allotted the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol, according to the ECI order.

ECI Freezes Original TMC Name, Symbol

The latest decision follows the Election Commission’s interim order on Thursday, under which both rival groups were barred from using the name “All India Trinamool Congress” and its reserved “Flowers and Grass” symbol during the bypolls.

The Commission said there are two rival groups claiming to represent the All India Trinamool Congress and that the dispute requires a substantive determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

The temporary arrangement was made to keep the two groups on an even footing and protect their rights and interests until the Commission takes a final decision on the dispute.

New Identities for Upcoming Bypolls

The new names and symbols will allow candidates from the two factions to contest the upcoming bypolls under separate electoral identities.

The ECI’s decision applies to the current bypoll process, while the larger dispute over control and recognition of the Trinamool Congress remains pending before the poll panel.

Ritabrata Banerjee Reacts to ECI Decision

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, who heads the group associated with the Arup Roy faction, said the group had submitted three preferred names, including “Nationalist Trinamool Congress”, “West Bengal Trinamool Congress” and “Democratic Trinamool Congress”.

He said the Election Commission did not approve the first two choices and allotted “Democratic Trinamool Congress”, while the group received its first preference for the election symbol.

The ECI had earlier held a hearing with a five-member delegation led by Ritabrata Banerjee as part of the proceedings over the TMC name and election symbol dispute.