Goa, Sept. 18 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued an interim order freezing the original 'All India Trinamool Congress' party name and its iconic 'flowers and grass' (Jora Ghas Phul) symbol. The decision follows a severe internal split within the party and allocates temporary names and symbols to the rival factions for upcoming assembly bypolls.

The ECI assigned the faction led by founder Mamata Banerjee the official name "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" alongside the "Football Player" symbol. Conversely, the rival faction led by Arup Roy and legislative leader Ritabrata Banerjee was allotted "Democratic Trinamool Congress" with an "Envelope" symbol.

The dispute stems from major political shifts following the 2026 ...