Who owns the real TMC? Election Commission set to decide high-stakes battle NEW DELHI: The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to enter a decisive phase on Monday, with the rival camps led by West Bengal former CM Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee expected to submit documents before the Election Commission (EC) to stake claim over the party’s name, election symbol, organisational structure and assets.The confrontation marks one of the biggest political crises in the party’s 28-year history and is expected to determine which faction will be recognised as the ‘real’ Trinamool Congress.The Election Commission has directed both camps to submit organisational records, supporting documents and evidence of control over the party by 5.30 pm on July 6, after hearing preliminary submissions from both sides last week.Battle over symbol, headquarters and organisational controlAt the centre of the dispute is the TMC’s iconic grass-and-flowers election symbol, along with the party’s organisational assets, finances and headquarters, all of which have become subjects of competing claims following an escalating rebellion after the party’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The Mamata Banerjee-led faction is expected to rely on the party’s founding legacy, organisational continuity and existing structure. The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is expected to argue that it enjoys majority support among elected representatives and therefore represents the legitimate leadership.The crisis, which began as a legislative revolt, has now evolved into a full-fledged organisational battle.Last month, the rebel camp convened a special session, elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson and announced a parallel national leadership structure, claiming that the existing leadership had lost the confidence of the majority of elected representatives.The dissident faction first demonstrated its strength when 58 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition instead of the candidate supported by Mamata Banerjee. The faction now claims it has the support of around 65 MLAs.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament. 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), weakening Mamata’s position in Parliament and strengthening the dissidents’ claim of political legitimacy.Trinamool Bhavan takeover escalates disputeThe organisational battle intensified further on Friday when the Ritabrata-led faction took control of Trinamool Bhavan, the party’s operational headquarters in Kolkata.The rebel leaders changed the locks, installed fresh posters and declared that the office would now function as their organisational headquarters.The takeover came a day after the faction met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners in New Delhi to press its claim over the party’s leadership, symbol, organisational structure and assets.”We have gathered all documentary evidence and will place it before the commission. We are confident the decision will be based on facts, numbers and organisational legitimacy,” a senior leader of the Ritabrata camp said.The Mamata Banerjee camp has strongly objected to the rebels’ claims, arguing that leaders expelled from the party cannot represent it before the Election Commission.Senior leaders from the Kalighat camp are expected to present their counter-claims before the poll panel on Monday.A senior leader from the Mamata Banerjee faction said the party’s organisational structure remained intact despite the rebellion.”The TMC was built by Mamata Banerjee and continues to be led by her. A temporary numerical shift among some elected representatives cannot erase the party’s organisational continuity or its connection with workers and supporters across Bengal,” the leader said.The dissident camp, however, maintained that the dispute would ultimately be decided by the ‘test of majority’.”We have compiled all documentary evidence and are ready to place it before the commission. The facts and numbers speak for themselves. We have nothing to fear from a transparent process,” another senior leader of the rebel faction said.Mamata Banerjee confident of retaining party symbolSpeaking during a Facebook Live interaction on Saturday, Mamata Banerjee dismissed concerns over the party symbol and expressed confidence that the faction would retain it.”I don’t care about the party symbol, although I know they won’t be able to snatch it away. They will not succeed since I will dangle the symbol from my neck and reach out to the people. Many have betrayed the party and walked away. They won only because I signed on their nomination papers. At the BJP’s behest, they have betrayed the party,” she said.In an apparent reference to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, she added, “But even if they use ‘Vanish Kumar’ to snatch away the party symbol, they will not be able to silence my voice. Individuals may leave, but an institution does not cease to exist.”Background: How the crisis beganThe dispute intensified after the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction approached the Election Commission seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and staking claim over the party’s name and election symbol.The crisis has deepened steadily since the TMC’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.On Friday, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction accused the rival camp of illegally taking over Trinamool Bhavan and lodged a police complaint alleging criminal trespass.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee described the dissidents as ‘criminal trespassers’ and warned that the party would pursue legal action. “They are criminal trespassers. They started the game and we will finish it. We will go to court,” he said.Senior leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra, accused the police and central forces of allowing the rebel faction to occupy the office and alleged that the dissidents were acting at the BJP’s behest.Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction maintained that it had completed all formalities with the owners of the premises and declared that Trinamool Bhavan would function as its organisational headquarters.With both camps now claiming control over the party’s organisation, assets and symbol, Monday’s submissions before the Election Commission are expected to mark the beginning of a crucial legal and political battle that could determine who carries forward the legacy of the Trinamool Congress.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol ProposalPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book Row123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor’s Punit Balana look had more drama than Anshula Kapoor’s mehendi playlist, and we loved every bit of itTop 5 most active dog breeds5 grasslands in India where the monsoon feels magical5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about you123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Who owns the real TMC? Election Commission set to decide high-stakes battle NEW DELHI: The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to enter a decisive phase on Monday, with the rival camps led by West Bengal former CM Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee expected to submit documents before the Election Commission (EC) to stake claim over the party’s name, election symbol, organisational structure and assets.The confrontation marks one of the biggest political crises in the party’s 28-year history and is expected to determine which faction will be recognised as the ‘real’ Trinamool Congress.The Election Commission has directed both camps to submit organisational records, supporting documents and evidence of control over the party by 5.30 pm on July 6, after hearing preliminary submissions from both sides last week.Battle over symbol, headquarters and organisational controlAt the centre of the dispute is the TMC’s iconic grass-and-flowers election symbol, along with the party’s organisational assets, finances and headquarters, all of which have become subjects of competing claims following an escalating rebellion after the party’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The Mamata Banerjee-led faction is expected to rely on the party’s founding legacy, organisational continuity and existing structure. The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is expected to argue that it enjoys majority support among elected representatives and therefore represents the legitimate leadership.The crisis, which began as a legislative revolt, has now evolved into a full-fledged organisational battle.Last month, the rebel camp convened a special session, elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson and announced a parallel national leadership structure, claiming that the existing leadership had lost the confidence of the majority of elected representatives.The dissident faction first demonstrated its strength when 58 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition instead of the candidate supported by Mamata Banerjee. The faction now claims it has the support of around 65 MLAs.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament. 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), weakening Mamata’s position in Parliament and strengthening the dissidents’ claim of political legitimacy.Trinamool Bhavan takeover escalates disputeThe organisational battle intensified further on Friday when the Ritabrata-led faction took control of Trinamool Bhavan, the party’s operational headquarters in Kolkata.The rebel leaders changed the locks, installed fresh posters and declared that the office would now function as their organisational headquarters.The takeover came a day after the faction met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners in New Delhi to press its claim over the party’s leadership, symbol, organisational structure and assets.”We have gathered all documentary evidence and will place it before the commission. We are confident the decision will be based on facts, numbers and organisational legitimacy,” a senior leader of the Ritabrata camp said.The Mamata Banerjee camp has strongly objected to the rebels’ claims, arguing that leaders expelled from the party cannot represent it before the Election Commission.Senior leaders from the Kalighat camp are expected to present their counter-claims before the poll panel on Monday.A senior leader from the Mamata Banerjee faction said the party’s organisational structure remained intact despite the rebellion.”The TMC was built by Mamata Banerjee and continues to be led by her. A temporary numerical shift among some elected representatives cannot erase the party’s organisational continuity or its connection with workers and supporters across Bengal,” the leader said.The dissident camp, however, maintained that the dispute would ultimately be decided by the ‘test of majority’.”We have compiled all documentary evidence and are ready to place it before the commission. The facts and numbers speak for themselves. We have nothing to fear from a transparent process,” another senior leader of the rebel faction said.Mamata Banerjee confident of retaining party symbolSpeaking during a Facebook Live interaction on Saturday, Mamata Banerjee dismissed concerns over the party symbol and expressed confidence that the faction would retain it.”I don’t care about the party symbol, although I know they won’t be able to snatch it away. They will not succeed since I will dangle the symbol from my neck and reach out to the people. Many have betrayed the party and walked away. They won only because I signed on their nomination papers. At the BJP’s behest, they have betrayed the party,” she said.In an apparent reference to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, she added, “But even if they use ‘Vanish Kumar’ to snatch away the party symbol, they will not be able to silence my voice. Individuals may leave, but an institution does not cease to exist.”Background: How the crisis beganThe dispute intensified after the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction approached the Election Commission seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and staking claim over the party’s name and election symbol.The crisis has deepened steadily since the TMC’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.On Friday, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction accused the rival camp of illegally taking over Trinamool Bhavan and lodged a police complaint alleging criminal trespass.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee described the dissidents as ‘criminal trespassers’ and warned that the party would pursue legal action. “They are criminal trespassers. They started the game and we will finish it. We will go to court,” he said.Senior leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra, accused the police and central forces of allowing the rebel faction to occupy the office and alleged that the dissidents were acting at the BJP’s behest.Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction maintained that it had completed all formalities with the owners of the premises and declared that Trinamool Bhavan would function as its organisational headquarters.With both camps now claiming control over the party’s organisation, assets and symbol, Monday’s submissions before the Election Commission are expected to mark the beginning of a crucial legal and political battle that could determine who carries forward the legacy of the Trinamool Congress.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol ProposalPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book Row123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor’s Punit Balana look had more drama than Anshula Kapoor’s mehendi playlist, and we loved every bit of itTop 5 most active dog breeds5 grasslands in India where the monsoon feels magical5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about you123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha


Who is 'real' TMC? Mamata and rebel camp to face crucial EC test on Monday
Who owns the real TMC? Election Commission set to decide high-stakes battle

NEW DELHI: The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to enter a decisive phase on Monday, with the rival camps led by West Bengal former CM Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee expected to submit documents before the Election Commission (EC) to stake claim over the party’s name, election symbol, organisational structure and assets.The confrontation marks one of the biggest political crises in the party’s 28-year history and is expected to determine which faction will be recognised as the ‘real’ Trinamool Congress.The Election Commission has directed both camps to submit organisational records, supporting documents and evidence of control over the party by 5.30 pm on July 6, after hearing preliminary submissions from both sides last week.

Battle over symbol, headquarters and organisational control

At the centre of the dispute is the TMC’s iconic grass-and-flowers election symbol, along with the party’s organisational assets, finances and headquarters, all of which have become subjects of competing claims following an escalating rebellion after the party’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The Mamata Banerjee-led faction is expected to rely on the party’s founding legacy, organisational continuity and existing structure. The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is expected to argue that it enjoys majority support among elected representatives and therefore represents the legitimate leadership.The crisis, which began as a legislative revolt, has now evolved into a full-fledged organisational battle.Last month, the rebel camp convened a special session, elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson and announced a parallel national leadership structure, claiming that the existing leadership had lost the confidence of the majority of elected representatives.The dissident faction first demonstrated its strength when 58 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition instead of the candidate supported by Mamata Banerjee. The faction now claims it has the support of around 65 MLAs.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament. 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), weakening Mamata’s position in Parliament and strengthening the dissidents’ claim of political legitimacy.

Trinamool Bhavan takeover escalates dispute

The organisational battle intensified further on Friday when the Ritabrata-led faction took control of Trinamool Bhavan, the party’s operational headquarters in Kolkata.The rebel leaders changed the locks, installed fresh posters and declared that the office would now function as their organisational headquarters.The takeover came a day after the faction met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners in New Delhi to press its claim over the party’s leadership, symbol, organisational structure and assets.“We have gathered all documentary evidence and will place it before the commission. We are confident the decision will be based on facts, numbers and organisational legitimacy,” a senior leader of the Ritabrata camp said.The Mamata Banerjee camp has strongly objected to the rebels’ claims, arguing that leaders expelled from the party cannot represent it before the Election Commission.Senior leaders from the Kalighat camp are expected to present their counter-claims before the poll panel on Monday.A senior leader from the Mamata Banerjee faction said the party’s organisational structure remained intact despite the rebellion.“The TMC was built by Mamata Banerjee and continues to be led by her. A temporary numerical shift among some elected representatives cannot erase the party’s organisational continuity or its connection with workers and supporters across Bengal,” the leader said.The dissident camp, however, maintained that the dispute would ultimately be decided by the ‘test of majority’.“We have compiled all documentary evidence and are ready to place it before the commission. The facts and numbers speak for themselves. We have nothing to fear from a transparent process,” another senior leader of the rebel faction said.

Mamata Banerjee confident of retaining party symbol

Speaking during a Facebook Live interaction on Saturday, Mamata Banerjee dismissed concerns over the party symbol and expressed confidence that the faction would retain it.“I don’t care about the party symbol, although I know they won’t be able to snatch it away. They will not succeed since I will dangle the symbol from my neck and reach out to the people. Many have betrayed the party and walked away. They won only because I signed on their nomination papers. At the BJP’s behest, they have betrayed the party,” she said.In an apparent reference to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, she added, “But even if they use ‘Vanish Kumar’ to snatch away the party symbol, they will not be able to silence my voice. Individuals may leave, but an institution does not cease to exist.”

Background: How the crisis began

The dispute intensified after the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction approached the Election Commission seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and staking claim over the party’s name and election symbol.The crisis has deepened steadily since the TMC’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.On Friday, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction accused the rival camp of illegally taking over Trinamool Bhavan and lodged a police complaint alleging criminal trespass.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee described the dissidents as ‘criminal trespassers’ and warned that the party would pursue legal action. “They are criminal trespassers. They started the game and we will finish it. We will go to court,” he said.Senior leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra, accused the police and central forces of allowing the rebel faction to occupy the office and alleged that the dissidents were acting at the BJP’s behest.Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction maintained that it had completed all formalities with the owners of the premises and declared that Trinamool Bhavan would function as its organisational headquarters.With both camps now claiming control over the party’s organisation, assets and symbol, Monday’s submissions before the Election Commission are expected to mark the beginning of a crucial legal and political battle that could determine who carries forward the legacy of the Trinamool Congress.



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