New Delhi: The Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken strong exception to the order issued by the Election Commission regarding the dispute involving the name and logo of Trinamool Congress (TMC). His statement was made in the context of the interim order issued by the EC restricting the use of the party name and logo due to competing claims on the same.
First Shiv Sena, then NCP and now Trinamool Congress.
Same pattern every time – BJP and Election Commission together break a party. Then his election symbol is snatched away.
When an entire party can be stolen, then it is not surprising that the votes of crores of Indians are stolen.
Vote theft. Government theft.
—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 18, 2026
“Vote chori, govt chori, now party chori” he said, in his strong criticism of the EC decision.
EC Takes Interim Step in TMC Name and Symbol Dispute
The Election Commission's order came after a dispute over the ownership of the TMC's official identity. As part of the interim arrangement, the use of the party name and reserved symbol has been put on hold until the matter is examined further.
The commission has asked the rival sides to follow the prescribed process and submit their claims as per the rules governing party recognition and election symbols.
Rahul Gandhi Links Order With Earlier Party Symbol Disputes
Reacting to the development, Rahul Gandhi referred to earlier political disputes involving party names and symbols. He alleged that opposition parties have repeatedly faced challenges related to their organizational identity.
His comments come as the Congress leader has been raising concerns over electoral processes and the functioning of democratic institutions.
TMC Row Turns Into Major Political Debate
The Election Commission's decision has triggered reactions from political parties, with opposition leaders questioning the impact of such orders on established parties.
Supporters of the EC process argue that disputes over party symbols require a formal mechanism to determine valid claims. The final decision in the TMC case will decide the future use of the party name and election symbol.
The controversy has now become another major political issue ahead of upcoming electoral battles, keeping the focus on party recognition, symbols and internal disputes.