ECI allots fresh names, symbols to two Trinamool factions ahead of bypolls
The Election Commission has given the two Trinamool factions new party names and symbols after barring them from using the original name and symbol in the October 6 bypolls.
The Election Commission of India on Friday allotted separate names and symbols to the two factions of the All India Trinamool Congress, days after barring both from using the party's original name and symbol in upcoming Assembly bypolls in West Bengal.
The faction led by Mamata Banerjee will contest under the name 'Mamata All India Trinamool Congress' with the 'football player' symbol. The rival group headed by Arup Roy has been allotted the name 'Democratic Trinamool Congress' and the 'envelope' symbol.
The decision follows the Commission's directive on Thursday that neither faction could use the All India Trinamool Congress name or its symbol for the bypolls to Nandigram and Rejinagar, scheduled for October 6. Both groups had submitted alternative names and symbols to the poll body as required.
The allotments clear the way for the two factions to contest the bypolls under distinct identities, with the Commission's choices aimed at ensuring that voters can distinguish between the rival groups at the ballot.