The Election Commission has sought a response from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with the ongoing dispute over control of the Trinamool Congress and its election symbol. The development follows a hearing in New Delhi on Saturday, where the Commission met representatives of both factions involved in the dispute.
According to a reports,, the Commission has asked Banerjee to submit any further response or documents by 3 pm on September 16. The Commission has also advised that copies of any documents submitted be shared with the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The hearing has been taking place against the backdrop of competing claims over the party’s organisational control and the use of its election symbol.
The Commission’s letter reportedly records that submissions have already been received from both sides. The Ritabrata Banerjee camp submitted a letter dated September 11, an email dated September 12 along with documents, copies of orders issued by the Alipore court on July 7, August 3 and August 6, and a letter from Chandrima Bhattacharya dated September 12. The faction also submitted a June 5 news report concerning organisational changes within the Trinamool Congress, according to Anandabazar Patrika.
The Commission has indicated that if required, another hearing will be held at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi at 4 pm on September 17.
A final decision on the dispute could follow the hearing. The timing is significant as West Bengal is scheduled to hold by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. The Commission will have to decide which side is entitled to contest the bypolls using the party’s election symbol.
Senior advocate and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was part of the Kalighat delegation that met the Commission on Saturday, said there was no interim order from the poll panel. “The Election Commission has not passed any interim order. We have been asked to appear on the 16th and 17th. Our candidates will contest the by-elections with the party symbol,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee on Friday touted that his faction is ready to withdraw from the by-polls if Mamata Banerjee agrees to contest in Nandigram seat.
