The order means the two factions will have to contest the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar under separate names and with different election symbols.

The Commission has directed both groups to submit three preferred names and three free symbols by 11 am on September 18, in order of preference.

The ECI will then decide which name and symbol can be allotted to each faction for the bypolls.

TMC name, symbol frozen for bypolls

The ECI has specifically barred both factions from using the party name “All India Trinamool Congress” simpliciter and from using the reserved “Flowers & Grass” symbol.

The arrangement is interim and will remain in force until the Commission takes a final decision on the competing claims under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Under the provision, the poll panel can determine which faction, if any, should be recognised as the political party when rival groups stake competing claims to its identity, name and symbol.

Why ECI took interim route

The Commission said the dispute requires a substantive determination after considering the available material and hearing both sides.

However, with the bypoll process already underway and limited time available before polling, the ECI said it could not complete the full proceedings before the elections.

It therefore opted for an interim arrangement designed to give both factions separate identities for the upcoming contests while protecting their respective claims until a final decision is taken.

Rival factions to pick new names, symbols

Both groups have been asked to submit three names in order of preference by which they want to be recognised for the purpose of the two bypolls.

They must also submit three choices of free symbols from the list notified by the Election Commission for the current elections.

The ECI may approve one of the three proposed names for each faction and allot a free symbol to the candidates fielded by the respective groups.

Nandigram, Rejinagar polls on October 6

The dispute intensified after both factions fielded candidates for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls while claiming the right to contest under the TMC's existing identity and symbol.

The rival groups have submitted documents to the Election Commission in support of their respective claims over the party's organisational structure, authorised representatives, name and election symbol.

Polling in both constituencies is scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9.

Final decision still pending

The ECI's latest order does not settle which faction is entitled to the TMC's name or its reserved symbol.

Instead, it provides a temporary arrangement for the upcoming bypolls while the Commission continues proceedings under Paragraph 15.

The final determination will follow consideration of the rival claims and the material submitted by both sides.