The Election Commission of India has requested responses from Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and expelled party leader Ritabrata Banerjee by July 6 regarding disputes over organizational elections and authorized signatories. Both factions have been asked to submit their replies by 5.30 p.m. on the specified date. This move follows a representation made by Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction to the ECI’s full bench, asserting their claim to the party’s name and election symbol based on their numerical strength.
The rebel legislators, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, emphasized their significant support within the party during a meeting with the ECI’s full bench. Ritabrata Banerjee stated that the majority of party MLAs, former ministers, councillors, and Zilla Parishad members in West Bengal are aligned with their faction. He highlighted that a special convention held on June 22 appointed Arup Roy as the new party chairperson, replacing Mamata Banerjee, and Akhruzzaman as the new party treasurer.
In response, Kunal Ghosh, representing the faction loyal to Mamata Banerjee, dismissed the claims of the rebel camp. Ghosh emphasized that Mamata Banerjee remains integral to the Trinamool Congress, with unwavering support from party workers and followers. He pointed out that the rebel faction, asserting itself as the ‘real Trinamool Congress,’ had previously submitted forms with the signatures of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee to the Commission.
