TMC Split: Mamata Banerjee and Rebel Faction Fight for Party Control and 'Grass Flower' Symbol

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress is tearing apart. Mamata Banerjee and the rebel faction are fighting over the party name, election symbol, and control. Monday is the big day. Both sides will present documents and proof to the Election Commission. This is the first time in 28 years that TMC has split like this as Mamata faces the real danger of losing the party completely.

What the EC had ordered?

The Election Commission ordered both groups to submit all documents by Monday evening at 5:30. Last week the commission heard opening arguments from both sides. The biggest issue is the party's famous grass flower election symbol. Also at stake: the party name, organization, property, funds, and the headquarters in Kolkata called Trinamool Bhavan.

What is Mamata's argument?

Mamata stated that she had founded the party. She points to continuity in the organization as she has grassroots worker support. She's betting on the party's history and her role in building it. She also said that the real TMC stands with her.

What did the rebels say?

The rebels claimed that they have more MLAs and MPs. They said that, having more representation makes them the real TMC. They have about 65 of 80 MLAs and claim 21 Lok Sabha MPs too. That's a significant numbers. Last month, they held a special meeting and elected Arup Roy as their party president. They announced that their own parallel national leadership.

Who Controls the party headquarters?

On Friday they took over Trinamool Bhavan in Kolkata and changed the locks. They put up new posters and announced that the party will be run from there. Mamata's people said that the rebels don't have authority to do that. It became a standoff.

On the other hand, Mamata Banerji is also confident. She said that the Election Commission won't take away the party symbol from her. She said, "I'm not worried about the symbol. I know they can't take it. If they try, I'll wear it around my neck and go to the people." She accused the rebels of betraying the party at BJP's direction.

What started this fight?

The crisis began after TMC lost the assembly elections. First it was just MLAs rebelling but now it's become a full fight for party control. Everything escalated quickly from there. The Election Commission has to decide who the real TMC is. They have to look at majority numbers. They have to check organizational records. They have to review legal claims. This decision will be huge as it's not just about a symbol. It will decide the party's political identity. It will decide who owns the property and party's future direction.

What will the commission decide?

It is still unclear that what will be the future. Both sides have cases and the rebels have more elected representatives. Mamata has organizational history and the commission will weigh everything and make a call.