Will Mamata Lose TMC Symbol? Ritabrata Banerjee Engages ECI in Dispute
Indiadailyupdate.com – A faction within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken its dispute over the party’s name and symbol to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi, where they appeared before the full bench on Thursday. The group, consisting of nine MLAs and one former MLA, submitted their arguments to the commission, though specifics of the documents presented remained undisclosed to the media.
The rebellion, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, convened an All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) national working committee meeting on June 22. The following day, they sent a formal letter to the ECI detailing their claims, including the appointment of Arup Roy as the faction’s chairman. Banerjee emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating,
“We formally gave in writing to the Election Commission of India (ECI). We physically met the Election Commissioner in Kolkata. At that time itself, we had sought an appointment with the ECI. We are thankful that ECI’s full bench and the CEC today gave us a patient hearing. We have made our points,”
he added, expressing hope for a swift resolution.
The ECI hearing occurred amid a protest banner that omitted images of TMC founder Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. While Mamata retains leadership of her faction, which includes 15 MLAs, Abhishek continues as national general secretary. Meanwhile, the Ritabrata faction claims backing from 65 MLAs, asserting its commitment to opposing the “individual cult” and safeguarding the party’s constitutional principles.
Legal Measures and Financial Concerns
In Kolkata, the Calcutta High Court upheld a freeze on three TMC bank accounts at HDFC Bank’s Central Plaza branch. The court, however, instructed the branch manager to file an affidavit by July 7, outlining the exact balances in the accounts. The freeze was initiated after a complaint from former TMC treasurer Aroop Biswas, who alleged that funds could be misused due to the party’s split factions. This led to the filing of a cybercrime complaint with the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, requesting an investigation into financial transactions.
The complaint, signed by 10 MLAs from the Ritabrata faction, raised concerns about the origin of the party’s funds and hinted at potential illegal activities, such as extortion and bribes, referred to locally as “cut money.” The accounts, totaling approximately ₹440 crore, were placed under a debit freeze, limiting withdrawal while allowing deposits.
Challenging ECI Authority
Mamata Banerjee’s faction has criticized the Ritabrata group’s approach to the ECI, arguing that only officially recognized representatives should have the right to engage with the commission. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, suggesting that the breakaway group, assembled from various locations, lacked proper authorization.
“Today, we saw a breakaway gang compiled of people gathered from here and there. An expelled leader goes and meets the full bench of the Election Commission. According to EC rules, only recognised representatives can meet the full bench. How did this breakaway gang, which held its meetings at the Novotel, manage to meet the full bench of the EC?”
Ghose added, implying that the ECI might be influenced by BJP and Amit Shah.
Additionally, Ghose noted that the TMC had not sent any letter to the ECI, contrasting with the rebel faction’s actions. She stated,
“No letter has gone from our side. If a letter is to be given, only the All India Trinamool Congress can give it,”
subtly referencing Ritabrata’s expulsion. TMC MP Sougata Roy further highlighted that their faction had submitted a petition to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, though the Speaker has yet to act on it.
