The internal power struggle within the All India Trinamool Congress intensified on Tuesday as a faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee approached the Election Commission of India, claiming it enjoys the support of a majority of the party’s MLAs and represents the “original” Trinamool Congress.
Representatives of the Banerjee-led group visited the Election Commission’s regional office in Kolkata and submitted documents relating to the party’s newly formed national committee. The move came a day after the faction held a special organisational session.
Documents Submitted to Election Commission
Speaking to reporters after the submission, Ritabrata Banerjee said the exercise was a routine procedural step required after changes to a political party’s organisational structure.
According to him, all prescribed procedures had been followed. He stated that the relevant documents had already been submitted to the Election Commission’s headquarters in New Delhi and that copies were now being provided to the Kolkata regional office following the special session and the formation of a new National Working Committee.
The faction maintains that it has the support of a majority of the party’s legislators and leaders and therefore constitutes the legitimate continuation of the Trinamool Congress.
Election Commission to Decide
Addressing competing claims regarding the party’s leadership and organisational bodies, Banerjee said the issue should be resolved by the Election Commission.
He noted that if different groups had submitted separate lists, it would be the Commission’s responsibility to examine the documents and arrive at a decision, adding that speculation before the completion of the process would serve little purpose.
His comments come amid an ongoing dispute between rival camps over control of the party’s organisational framework and decision-making structures.
Claim Over Party Symbol
When questioned about the party symbol, leaders of the Banerjee faction reiterated their position that they represent the original Trinamool Congress and therefore do not require separate recognition.
The group argued that its claim before the Election Commission is based on what it describes as majority support within both the party organisation and the legislative wing.
Social Media Reports Dismissed
The faction also rejected various reports circulating on social media regarding suspensions and expulsions within the party.
Its leaders argued that several announcements made in recent days had subsequently been followed by resignations and changing political alignments, indicating that the situation remained fluid and unsettled.
The delegation that met Election Commission officials included Ritabrata Banerjee, Arup Roy, Sandipan Saha, Javed Khan and Akhruzzaman.
With rival factions presenting competing claims regarding the party’s leadership and organisational legitimacy, the Election Commission is expected to review the submissions from both sides before making a determination on the dispute.
