Who is the 'real' Trinamool? EC issues notices to Mamata, Ritabrata camps; seeks replies by July 6

The Election Commission has initiated formal proceedings to determine the legitimate leadership of the Trinamool Congress, issuing notices to rival factions headed by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee amid an escalating dispute over control of the party's organisation and assets.

In separate communications issued on Thursday, the Commission asked both camps to explain the basis of their competing claims to be recognised as the authentic Trinamool Congress. The dispute extends beyond political leadership to ownership of the party's election symbol, control of official bank accounts, authority over authorised signatories and other organisational matters.

Both sides have been directed to file detailed submissions by 5.30 pm on July 6, after which the Commission is expected to examine the documentary evidence and legal arguments before deciding the next course of action.

The confrontation follows the Trinamool Congress' defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, which brought the BJP to power in the state. The electoral setback triggered a major split within the party, with a group led by Ritabrata Banerjee breaking ranks and openly challenging the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The rebel camp has claimed that it enjoys the backing of more than 65 of the party's 80 legislators and has projected this majority within the legislative wing as proof that it represents the "real" Trinamool Congress. Ritabrata Banerjee has also been elected Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly by the breakaway group.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction, however, has rejected the rebels' claims, arguing that legislative strength alone does not determine ownership of a political party. Senior leaders aligned with the former chief minister maintain that the party's organisational structure, office-bearers and grassroots network continue to remain under her control, making her faction the legitimate custodian of the Trinamool Congress.

Under the Election Commission's established procedure for resolving disputes within recognised political parties, rival factions are typically required to submit documentary evidence relating to organisational support, elected office-bearers, legislative backing and the party constitution. The Commission examines these factors before deciding which faction, if any, is entitled to retain the party's name and election symbol or whether an alternative arrangement is required.

The Commission's decision is expected to have significant political implications in West Bengal, where the split has reshaped the opposition landscape following the Assembly polls and could influence the future organisation and electoral identity of the Trinamool Congress.