Amidst the ongoing political tussle within the Trinamool Congress, the Election Commission (ECI) has taken a major decision and allotted new names and election symbols to both the rival factions. The Commission has taken this step after freezing the party’s name and original election symbol. Under this new arrangement, Mamata Banerjee’s faction has got the ‘Football Player’ election symbol along with the name ‘Mamata All India Trinamool Congress’, while the rebel faction has been given the ‘Democratic Trinamool Congress’ and ‘Envelope’ symbols.
system will be implemented
The Commission has made it clear that this entire interim arrangement will come into effect only after all the statutory requirements and rules are fulfilled.
This new twist regarding the symbol started within the Trinamool Congress is further intensifying the enthusiasm for the upcoming elections, where both the groups have started preparations to go among the public with their new names and symbols.
recognition of candidates
As per the order of the Election Commission, the nomination papers filed under Form-B authorized by Mamata Banerjee will be recognized under ‘Mamata All India Trinamool Congress’. These candidates include Rabiul Alam Choudhary, Sanchita Pradhan (DE) from Nandigram seat and Abdul Salam from Nagaon parliamentary seat in Assam, who will be allowed to contest on the ‘football player’ election symbol.
On the other hand, the candidates who have filed nomination on the basis of Form-B authorized by Arup Roy will be considered as ‘Democratic Trinamool Congress’ candidates. Under this rebel group, nominations of Safiuzzaman Shaikh and Ehteshmul Haq from Nandigram assembly constituency will be filed as candidates of ‘Envelope’ election symbol.
Strict instructions to election officials
The Election Commission has issued strict instructions to the administrative officials to keep the election process fair and smooth. The Commission has asked the returning officers of 70-Reginagar and 210-Nandigram assembly seats of West Bengal and 9-Nagaon Lok Sabha seat of Assam to ensure strict compliance with this order. In the instructions issued by Commission Secretary Ashwani Kumar Mohal, it has been made clear that the scrutiny and validity of nomination papers will be done only under Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1951.