‘Black day in democracy’: Mamata attacks EC over TMC name, symbol freeze

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (September 18) called the Election Commission’s decision to bar her faction from using the Trinamool Congress (TMC) name and its traditional twin-flower symbol a “black day” in the democratic history of the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata said the decision was “unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and completely biased” and alleged that it was driven by political vendetta.

EC’s order

Her remarks came after the Election Commission (EC) froze the ‘All India Trinamool Congress’ name and the ‘Flowers and Grass’ symbol for the October 6 bypolls amid a dispute between rival factions.

Also read: TMC symbol row: Mamata faction gets 'footballer'; rival group 'envelope'

The poll panel has since allotted ‘Mamata All India Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Football Player’ symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, while the Arup Roy-led group has been given ‘Democratic Trinamool Congress’ and the ‘Envelope’ symbol.

‘We will not surrender’

Mamata said she could not accept the move against a party she founded 29 years ago and built through years of political struggle. She said the party had held organisational elections from the grassroots level and submitted all relevant documents to the Election Commission.

“We will not surrender. We will not bow our heads before political pressure,” Mamata said, adding that her faction would challenge the decision legally and continue its political fight.

She also questioned the timing of the order, pointing out that the bypoll process was already underway and candidates had submitted their nominations and symbols. The new names and symbols, she said, had been submitted only because the election process was already in progress and did not mean her faction had accepted the decision.

Alleges political vendetta

She also alleged that the EC and central agencies had been used against her party and its workers during and after the elections. She cited the deletion of voters and alleged manipulation of the election process, while questioning the lack of investigation into claims about EVMs.

Also read: TMC set to move SC against 20 rebel Lok Sabha MPs over defection

The TMC chief also accused the BJP of trying to weaken opposition parties, referring to the earlier splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP. She said her party had received approaches to support the BJP but had refused.

Mamata faction to continue protest

On the political road ahead, Mamata said her faction would support the Congress in Assam and Nandigram and remain with the INDIA alliance. She said the party’s agitation would continue and appealed to people in Bengal to stand with the Trinamool.

“The twin-flower symbol was built with blood, struggle, sacrifice and the love of Maa, Mati, Manush,” she said.