Ritabrata Banerjee camp moves EC, claims majority support and 'real TMC' status

The power struggle within the Trinamool Congress escalated on Tuesday after the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee approached the Election Commission of India and claimed it enjoys the support of a majority of the party's MLAs while representing the "original" TMC.

Representatives of the Banerjee-led faction visited the Election Commission's regional office in Kolkata and submitted documents related to the party's newly constituted national committee, a day after a special session of the organisation.

DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO ECI

Speaking to reporters after the submission, Ritabrata Banerjee said the exercise was part of the mandatory process that follows organisational changes within a political party.

"We have followed all the prescribed procedures. The documents have already been submitted to the Election Commission in Delhi, and today we are submitting a copy to the regional office in Kolkata. This is a normal process that needs to be followed after the special session and the formation of the new National Working Committee," Banerjee said.

The faction has maintained that it has the backing of a majority of the party's legislators and leaders and therefore represents the legitimate continuation of the Trinamool Congress.

'ECI WILL DECIDE'

Amid competing claims over the party's leadership structure and national council, Banerjee said the matter should be left to the Election Commission.

"If different lists have been submitted, the Election Commission will examine them and take an appropriate decision. There is no point in speculating before that process is completed," he said.

The remarks come as rival camps continue to stake claim over the party's organisational framework and decision-making bodies.

CLAIMS OVER PARTY SYMBOL

When asked about the party symbol, leaders of the Banerjee faction insisted that they represent the original Trinamool Congress and therefore did not see any need to seek separate recognition.

The camp argued that its position before the Election Commission was based on its claim of organisational and legislative majority within the party.

SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS REJECTED

The faction also pushed back against reports circulating on social media regarding suspensions and expulsions within the party.

Its leaders claimed that several announcements made in recent days had later been contradicted by resignations and shifting political allegiances, suggesting that the situation within the party remained fluid.

The delegation that met Election Commission officials included Ritabrata Banerjee, Arup Roy, Sandipan Saha, Javed Khan and Akhruzzaman.

With rival factions presenting competing claims, the Election Commission is expected to examine the documents and submissions made by both sides before taking a call on the dispute.

- Ends