Election Commission to meet rival Trinamool Congress factions on September 12

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled meetings on September 12 in New Delhi to resolve a dispute between two factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the party's name and election symbol. The meetings will take place at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM).

The first meeting at 11 a.m. will involve a five-member delegation from the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. This is followed by a 12 p.m. meeting with the faction led by Mamata Banerjee. Both sides are currently claiming the right to use the party's 'Joraphool' (twin flowers) symbol.

The dispute has immediate implications for upcoming Assembly bypolls in the Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies, scheduled for October 6. Both factions intend to field candidates using the TMC symbol. The ECI is expected to reach a decision regarding the party's identity and symbol before September 16, which is the deadline for filing nominations.