The Election Commission of India has asked both factions of the Trinamool Congress to reply to mutual claims about organizational elections and authorized signatories. One group is led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by Ritabrata Banerjee. Responses must reach the commission by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, according to sources.
A full bench of the commission met the rebel faction earlier on Thursday. The Mamata Banerjee group objected to the meeting, saying it breached rules that limit appointments to authorized representatives only.
A party spokesperson stated that only designated officials may request such meetings and questioned the decision to hear breakaway legislators. After the session, Ritabrata Banerjee said his delegation had presented its case, including details of a June 22 organizational meeting held in Kolkata. He noted the commission listened carefully and hoped for an early decision.
The rebel side maintained it followed all procedures for the June 22 session and informed the commission promptly. It also claims to represent the authentic party. In early June, 58 legislators wrote to the assembly speaker naming Ritabrata Banerjee as leader of the opposition, contrary to the main faction’s choice of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay. On June 22 the rebels removed Mamata Banerjee as chairperson and formed a new national working committee. The next day they approached the commission to claim the party name and symbol.
The Mamata Banerjee group had earlier informed the commission of its own organizational changes, including new joint secretaries. In Parliament, 20 of 28 TMC MPs joined a smaller party, creating a further split.
