Trinamool factions have settled on an interim name and symbol for the upcoming October 6 West Bengal bypolls, according to sources at the local election office. The agreement was reached after a tense standoff over the use of the party’s emblem and the right to list the party’s name on the ballot.
The dispute stems from a split in 2024 between the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and a breakaway group headed by former minister Ranjit Singh, who claimed the same party flag. Both factions had been vying for the right to present themselves as the “real” Trinamool in the bypolls scheduled to fill a seat vacated by a former MLA.
The Election Commission’s interim decision is effectively a stop‑gap measure, allowing voters to see a single party name on the ballot while the commission reviews membership rolls, affidavits, and internal documents. A spokesperson for the commission said the final ruling will be issued by the end of November after a formal audit.
For local voters, the decision means the contest will proceed with a clear party line. In the constituency of Kalna, a resident named Sunita Ghosh told reporters she hopes the clarity will help her choose a candidate that aligns with her community’s needs.
The bypolls themselves are seen as a barometer for Mamata Banerjee’s popularity ahead of the 2026 state elections. The commission’s final verdict on which faction is the legitimate Trinamool will be announced in the coming weeks, potentially shifting the political landscape in West Bengal.
Meanwhile, both factions have pledged to cooperate during the campaign, with the breakaway group insisting the interim name is a temporary solution that safeguards the party’s legacy until the formal decision is made.