In a major political turn of events ahead of the West Bengal bypolls, the Election Commission of India has barred rival factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the party's official name and election symbol.
The decision was taken by the electoral watchdog to ensure a fair voting process amid conflicting claims over the legitimate leadership of the party. Consequently, neither faction will be allowed to use the recognized party identity until the dispute is fully reviewed and resolved.
Both contending groups have been directed to select temporary distinct names and fresh symbols from the commission's list of available choices to field their candidates in the forthcoming elections.
