Bengal LoP Ritabrata Banerjee meets ECI amid rift with Mamata-led TMC

Synopsis

A breakaway faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, presented its case to the Election Commission of India regarding party funds and its symbol. Following a special session, the delegation met the full Election Commission bench in Delhi. Banerjee expressed hope for a swift decision, while also commenting on the recent electoral defeat, stating the mandate was against the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC.

A 10-member delegation of the rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) faction, led by West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, met the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, regarding the ownership of party funds and its twin-flower symbol.

The delegation met the full bench of the Election Commission, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, at the poll panel's headquarters in New Delhi.

Ahead of the meeting, Banerjee said the interaction with the Election Commission was part of the mandatory process following the rebel faction's special session held on June 22.

After the meeting, Banerjee said, "All India Trinamool Congress had a special session on 22nd June. Immediately after the session, we formally gave in writing to the Election Commission of India and physically met the ECI in Kolkata. At the time we had sought an appointment with the Election Commission of India. The CEC and other Election Commissioners gave us a patient hearing today. We made our points. We are hopeful that the ECI will get back to us shortly."

On claims made by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, Banerjee said, "I don't want to go on to claims (made by Mamata Banerjee-led TMC). Mamata Banerjee's pictures were there everywhere in the 291 constituencies, yet TMC lost. The mandate of Bengal has been against Trinamool."

The internal crisis within the TMC intensified after 64 of the party's 80 MLAs broke ranks with the Mamata Banerjee-led leadership following the party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The rebel group later backed Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and announced a new 30-member National Working Committee (NWC).