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Politics
Mamata Banerjee brands new party name‑symbol ruling a ‘black day’ for democracy
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 19 Sep 2026, 04:32 AM
👁 11
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the Election Commission’s approval of a new party name and symbol, calling it a ‘black day’ for Indian democracy.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, denounced the Election Commission's recent approval of a new name and symbol for a political party, labeling the move a "black day" for democracy in India. In her statement, she argued that the decision undermines the principles of fairness and transparency that are essential to the electoral process.
The chief minister emphasized that altering a party's identity without broad consensus could set a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding public confidence in the institutions that safeguard free and fair elections. She urged the commission to reconsider the ruling and adhere to established democratic norms.
The Election Commission, which oversees party registrations and symbol allocations, has not issued a detailed response to Banerjee's criticism, leaving the matter unresolved as political parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests.
The chief minister emphasized that altering a party's identity without broad consensus could set a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding public confidence in the institutions that safeguard free and fair elections. She urged the commission to reconsider the ruling and adhere to established democratic norms.
The Election Commission, which oversees party registrations and symbol allocations, has not issued a detailed response to Banerjee's criticism, leaving the matter unresolved as political parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests.