India, Sept. 17 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) reserved the Trinamool Congress' "Flowers & Grass" election symbol amid an ongoing dispute between rival factions of the party.

The poll body said that, pending a final determination on the matter, neither the faction led by Mamata Banerjee nor the group led by Ritabrata Banerjee will be allowed to use the party name or the reserved symbol as an interim measure for the ongoing by-elections.

In an interim order released on Thursday, the ECI said the decision was aimed at placing both groups on an "even keel" and protecting their rights and interests. The order will remain in force until the final determination of the dispute.

The rival factions groups have been directed to submit...