By-elections scheduled for October 6 in the Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies have triggered intense political uncertainty within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), as a parallel crisis over the party’s official symbol deepens the factional divide.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made her position clear: she will not participate in the election campaign unless clarity emerges on the allocation of the party’s “Twin Flowers” (Ghasphul) symbol. The statement has added fresh weight to the ongoing tussle between the so-called Kalighat camp and rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee within the party.

The internal rift has effectively split the party into two competing factions, each staking claim over leadership legitimacy and organisational control. While both sides continue to assert their authority, the unresolved dispute over the party symbol remains the central flashpoint.

Sources indicate that the uncertainty has created confusion among grassroots workers ahead of the by-elections, with campaign planning and coordination already affected in key constituencies.

Mamata’s message to candidates ahead of campaign

On Tuesday, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the Trinamool (Kalighat camp) candidate for Rejinagar, met Mamata at her Kalighat residence. During the meeting, discussions reportedly focused on election preparedness and campaign strategy.

According to sources, Mamata advised candidates to continue their groundwork assuming she may not join the campaign trail. However, she is also believed to have conveyed that her participation would be assured if the Kalighat faction is officially recognised with the party symbol.

Election Commission yet to decide on symbol dispute

The Election Commission has already held consultations with representatives of both factions regarding the dispute over the “Twin Flowers” symbol. However, no final decision has been announced.

Both sides are expected to submit additional documentation to the Commission, with the matter likely to continue under review. The delay has further intensified uncertainty within the party structure ahead of the by-elections.

Amid the escalating internal conflict, the Kalighat camp has also escalated the matter legally. The faction has approached the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of ten MLAs aligned with the Ritabrata camp.

MP and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee confirmed that a Special Leave Petition (SLP) has been filed in the apex court. The petition reportedly follows earlier legal precedents involving anti-party activity cases against MPs and legislators.

Names in first phase of disqualification petition

The initial list submitted before the Supreme Court includes Ritabrata Banerjee, along with several prominent leaders such as Arup Roy, Firhad Hakim, Sandipan Saha, Akruzzaman, Shiuli Saha, Sabina Yasmin, Biplab Mitra, Javed Khan, and Rathin Ghosh.

Party insiders suggest that this is only the first phase of legal action, with the leadership adopting a phased and strategic approach. Further names may be considered depending on how the dispute unfolds in the coming days.

With the Election Commission yet to resolve the symbol issue and legal battles intensifying between rival factions, the party finds itself in a complex political standoff. Mamata Banerjee’s conditional campaign participation has now become a key variable that could shape the momentum of the by-election campaign.

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