West Bengal politics has plunged into a fresh crisis after the Election Commission of India assigned the 'Envelope' symbol to the rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress. The decision came ahead of the crucial October 6 bypolls in the state, sparking sharp reactions from across the political spectrum.
EC freezes original TMC name and symbol
In a late-night directive, the poll panel barred both factions led by Mamata Banerjee and rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee from using the original party name AITC and its 'Jora Ghash Phul' symbol. Both groups were asked to submit new names and symbols immediately.
The poll body later approved 'Mamata All India Trinamool Congress' for the Mamata faction and 'Democratic Trilingual Congress' for the rival group. While Mamata's faction got the 'Football Player' symbol, the rebels received the 'Envelope' symbol.
Satirical digs and Mamata's sharp attack
The allocation of the 'Envelope' symbol triggered humorous reactions online. Cockroach Janta Party co-convenor Saurav Das took a dig at the ECI on social media, writing that the jokes write themselves.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the decision as unconstitutional and politically motivated. She termed the day a black one for Indian democracy and warned those in power.
"We don't disrespect the Constitutional Chair, but we feel today is a black day in our democratic history. What is happening in our country is unconstitutional and biased." — Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal
