EC Freezes TMC’s ‘Flowers & Grass’ Symbol Amid Split; Mamata Faction Gets ‘Football Player’…
There is currently a major uproar in West Bengal regarding Mamata Banerjee’s party. Following a major decision by the Election Commission on September 18, 2026, the political landscape within Mamata Banerjee’s party has become increasingly heated. The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a major decision on Friday, September 18, 2026, following an internal dispute and split within Mamata Banerjee’s party, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). The Election Commission has completely frozen the party’s original name and traditional ‘Flowers & Grass’ election symbol. By-elections are scheduled for two seats (Nandigram and Rajnagar) in West Bengal on October 6th. Just before the upcoming by-elections, the Election Commission has temporarily frozen the party’s original name and traditional “Flowers and Grass” election symbol, citing the ongoing dispute between the two factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). In its place, the Election Commission has allocated new names and symbols to both the Mamata Banerjee faction and the rebel faction. Following this, the Mamata Banerjee faction has been given the new name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the election symbol “Football Player.” This symbol is considered very special for Mamata, who has raised the slogan “Khela Hobe” in Bengal. The rebel faction (Ritabrata Banerjee/Arup Roy faction) has been allocated the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the election symbol “Envelope.” Mamata Expresses Displeasure over ECI decision Mamata Banerjee has expressed strong displeasure over the Election Commission’s decision to freeze her 28-year-old traditional symbol and name. She has challenged this decision in the Supreme Court and filed two petitions in the court. The petitions argue that the Election Commission completely ignored the party’s grassroots and organizational structure and relied on the statements of rebel MLAs who themselves are facing disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law. Mamata Banerjee, reacting to this entire incident, has stated that she will not bow down to anyone and will vigorously fight this political and legal battle.