The EC, citing a split between two factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, froze the party's name and symbol to prevent confusion ahead of the West Bengal by‑elections.
Venugopal called the move a "late‑night birthday gift" for Prime Minister Modi, accusing the commission of acting as a puppet of the BJP after the party hijacked the TMC symbol.
He added that the EC has already used similar tactics against Shiv Sena and the NCP, warning that any opposition to the BJP risks being stripped of its electoral identity.
Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968, the EC must hold a substantive determination before the by‑polls, but it will keep the interim freeze until a final decision is made.
The directive comes as candidates from both factions have already submitted nomination papers, causing confusion among voters who cannot yet identify which group they support. A local shopkeeper in Kolkata, trying to decide which banner to display, said the uncertainty is hurting his business.
Both factions are required to submit three preferred names and symbols by 11:00 AM on 18 September 2026. The EC will then approve one option for each group; the outcome of the court‑mandated determination will be announced in the coming weeks.