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Politics
West Bengal by‑elections to test rival groups’ claim on Trinamool Congress symbol
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 05:03 AM
👁 30
The upcoming by‑elections in West Bengal will serve as a litmus test for factions contesting the Trinamool Congress’s party symbol, as the Election Commission reviews their applications.
The Election Commission of India has announced by‑elections for several vacant seats in West Bengal, slated for early 2024. Among the contested constituencies, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) symbol – the flower and grass – has become a focal point as rival groups within the party submit separate applications to retain it. The commission has set a deadline for filing claims and will decide which faction, if any, can continue using the emblem in the upcoming polls.
Party insiders say the outcome could reshape TMC’s internal power dynamics, with the recognized symbol carrying significant brand value among voters. Analysts note that a decision favouring a rival faction may weaken the current leadership’s electoral advantage, while a ruling in favour of the incumbent could consolidate its position ahead of the state assembly elections.
The by‑elections are being closely watched by national parties, as the result will indicate how fragmented the TMC’s grassroots support might be and whether the symbol dispute could spill over into broader electoral contests.
Party insiders say the outcome could reshape TMC’s internal power dynamics, with the recognized symbol carrying significant brand value among voters. Analysts note that a decision favouring a rival faction may weaken the current leadership’s electoral advantage, while a ruling in favour of the incumbent could consolidate its position ahead of the state assembly elections.
The by‑elections are being closely watched by national parties, as the result will indicate how fragmented the TMC’s grassroots support might be and whether the symbol dispute could spill over into broader electoral contests.