All India Trinamool Congress, popularly known as TMC, is one of India’s most influential regional political parties and the dominant force in West Bengal politics.
Founded on January 1, 1998, by Mamata Banerjee, the party emerged from a mass movement against the long rule of the Left Front led by the CPI(M). Mamata Banerjee broke away from the Congress to create an independent political platform focused on the rights of ordinary people and grassroots mobilisation.
The party’s symbol, featuring two flowers and grass, was personally designed by Mamata Banerjee at the time of the party’s formation in 1998. The symbol was meant to represent harmony, grassroots politics and unity among communities.
From its early years, the Trinamool Congress positioned itself as the principal opposition in Bengal. The party gained momentum through major movements such as Singur and Nandigram, where it led protests against forced land acquisition and displacement of farmers. These agitations reshaped Bengal’s political landscape and helped build widespread support for the party across rural and urban areas.
In 2011, TMC achieved a historic victory by ending 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal, with Mamata Banerjee becoming the state’s first woman Chief Minister. Since then, the party has continued to dominate Bengal politics, winning successive Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Known for its strong regional identity, welfare-driven politics and emphasis on secularism, TMC has also expanded beyond Bengal into states such as Meghalaya, Assam and Goa.
However, Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of All India Trinamool Congress, which had been in power since 2011. The BJP won 206 of the 294 seats in the Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 148. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee also suffered a major personal setback after losing her seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MA Baby has reached out to non-NDA parties, including the Trinamool Congress, seeking wider opposition cooperation. Speaking on his conversation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said: "INDIA bloc is important, but it has to be INDIA bloc plus." The initiative seeks to bring together parties outside the National Democratic Alliance on national issues, despite decades of regional rivalry between the Left and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal.
A Trinamool Congress leader's car was gheraoed and attacked in Uttarpara, Hooghly district, while en route to a public rally addressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Serampore. A group of people carrying black flags surrounded the vehicle, shouted slogans, pelted eggs, and smashed the rear window, causing minor injuries from shattered glass. While Trinamool Congress alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party to disrupt the rally, the opposition party rejected the allegations. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Opposition parties are uniting to seek the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee reaching out to long-time political rival CPI(M) and holding discussions with Rahul Gandhi to convene an all-opposition meeting in Delhi. CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby wrote to INDIA bloc constituents on 23 September, drawing a swift response from Banerjee, whose party MPs are reportedly in touch with left leaders at the Centre. TMC asserts that rivalries must be set aside to save democracy. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack, stating that neither the Trinamool Congress nor the CPI(M) holds significant presence in West Bengal following recent assembly elections. Calling the unity a survival tactic and optics, the BJP stated that the opposition must take their proof to court rather than protesting on the streets. Congress members have staged nationwide street protests, including demonstrations in Kolkata, as opposition parties amplify their agitation against the CEC.
The Congress party has escalated its attack on the Election Commission of India over changes introduced to Form 6, which is required for new voter registration. Alleging that alterations were made without statutory notification or required rule amendments under the Representation of the People Act, the party argued that the Chief Election Commissioner lacked the power to amend the form. Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, citing barriers created for first-time young voters. Concurrently, broader consultations have begun among opposition outfits under an expanded front. Archrivals Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held telephonic talks, with Mamata Banerjee and M.A. Baby discussing joint opposition action and nationwide campaigns. Outfits including the Aam Aadmi Party, Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and DMK have also been approached to build a common platform against alleged commission irregularities.
In an interview with India Today, Congress leader Pawan Khera launched a sharp attack against the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged anomalies in voter lists and the electoral process. Defending his party's stance against BJP criticism, Khera claimed that evidence of wrongdoing had emerged across multiple states and within recent investigative reports. He asserted that the poll body had lost its sanctity, alleging systemic deletions of voters from electoral rolls. Calling for accountability, Khera declared that Gyanesh Kumar was merely a pawn representing higher authorities in the government, demanding his immediate resignation from office and stating that he should apologize to the nation.
Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has filed a police complaint at the Parliament Police Station in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar. Speaking on the matter, Moitra alleged that decisions conveyed by the Election Commission were falsified by one individual without majority consent, arguing that statutory immunity under Section 16 of the CEC and EC Act 2023 does not apply. The Election Commission dismissed the allegations, asserting that unanimous decisions were taken. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav, have demanded the CEC's arrest, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and calling for past elections to be declared null and void alongside holding fresh polls.
A major political debate has erupted following allegations against Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the electoral process. The Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties have demanded answers and sought re-elections across states where special revision was conducted. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the democratic process, citing official notes from the Election Commission of India. The BJP highlighted assembly election trends in West Bengal, arguing that opposition parties were the primary beneficiaries in seats with significant voter deletions, while dismissing opposition demands as an attempt to capture power without winning public support.
Opposition parties have intensified attacks against the Election Commission of India following reports of internal dissent by Election Commissioners regarding administrative procedures and Form 6 changes. Opposition leaders alleged constitutional lapses and claimed written objections were raised multiple times over several months without resolution. In response, the Election Commission released a joint statement clarifying that discussions and differences of opinion naturally occur during deliberations, but all final decisions, including the rollout of the nationwide exercise, were taken unanimously by the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners. The Commission stressed that its members remain united in ensuring every eligible citizen can cast their vote. While parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and TMC continue to question the poll body's functioning, the Bharatiya Janata Party has remained quiet on the recent political developments.
The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging internal discord, voter list manipulation, and an assault on democratic norms. Addressing the media, leaders highlighted reports alleging that internal concerns raised in writing by election commissioners were suppressed by the Chief Election Commissioner. The party pointed to dissent notes regarding Form 6 alterations, electoral registration officer access restrictions, and massive voter deletions across states like Maharashtra and Haryana. The opposition demanded full transparency by calling for all internal dissent notes to be placed in the public domain. Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties reiterated demands for accountability and course correction within the poll body, with discussions around moving an impeachment motion during Parliament's winter session. Meanwhile, Election Commission sources maintained that decisions were made collectively, asserting that differences of opinion during internal discussions are standard institutional procedures before final orders are signed.
Sources indicate that the All India Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee faction candidate for Rajinagar will contest elections on a temporary symbol of a football player. This development follows concerns raised regarding party cadre safety and the last-minute alteration of the party name and symbol. Earlier, candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury had expressed apprehension over voter recognition following the sudden administrative changes, alongside allegations that party workers were facing threats and intimidation.
High political drama unfolds across West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly by-polls. In Rajnagar, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress faction candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury made a dramatic U-turn, deciding to contest the election just hours after announcing the withdrawal of his candidature over party cadre safety concerns and symbol changes. The decision to stay in the fray came after he sought security assurances at the Beldanga Police Station and received outreach from senior party leaders. Meanwhile, in Nandigram, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was produced before the Haldia court following his arrest in four old cases, including murder charges and the Arms Act, shortly after receiving support from Mamata Banerjee's camp. The Congress leadership, led by State Congress President Subhankar Sarkar, strongly backed Pradhan, while party cadres prepared for protests against the sudden police action during the nomination window.
Political developments in West Bengal show major challenges for Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress faction ahead of key assembly by-polls. The party's candidate from Rezinagar, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, withdrew his nomination, citing difficulties in popularising a new party symbol, alleged intimidation, and a lack of ground-level cadre support. This follows the earlier withdrawal of candidate Sanchita Pradhan in Nandigram, where the party subsequently extended support to the Congress candidate, Milan Pradhan, who was later arrested in connection with pending criminal cases. Following an interim ruling by the Election Commission of India recognising two separate factions—Mamata Banerjee All India Trinamool Congress and the rebel Democratic Trinamool Congress—the Mamata Banerjee-led group faces operational hurdles and has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking legal relief.
The dispute over the control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has reached the Supreme Court after the Election Commission allotted interim party names and symbols to the Mamata Banerjee camp and the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee for upcoming bypolls. The Mamata camp challenged the poll panel's decision to freeze the original TMC name and flower-and-grass symbol, arguing that the Election Commission failed to adequately consider the party's organizational structure while taking into account claims from rebel leaders facing disqualification petitions. A separate petition was also filed by the Mamata faction challenging the State Assembly Speaker's delay in ruling on disqualification pleas against ten rebel MLAs, while also contesting Ritabrata Banerjee's recognition as the Leader of the Opposition.
The Election Commission has frozen the original Trinamool Congress party name and its twin flower symbol ahead of the upcoming West Bengal by-polls following a split. The commission allotted temporary identities to both factions: Mamata Banerjee's camp received the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with the football player symbol, while the rebel faction was named Democratic Trinamool Congress with the envelope symbol. The rebel camp claimed the support of 64 out of 80 MLAs. Both sides traded charges, with the rebel faction criticising party functioning and Mamata's camp calling the decision undemocratic. Opposition allies condemned the move, while the BJP dismissed any involvement in the internal feud. Muslim IPS officer Bushra Bano was abruptly transferred in West Bengal after a right-wing group objected to her Islamic greetings used in a YouTube video encouraging civil service preparation. The government termed the move routine, but opposition leaders accused it of religious bias and bigotry. The controversy sparked political backlash, highlighting tensions over religious expression by public servants. Critics contrasted this with other cases of communal favoritism, questioning the message such actions send to minorities in India.
On this edition of Super 6, discussions focus on major political and legal developments across southern states.
The Election Commission has frozen the original Trinamool Congress party name and its twin flower symbol ahead of the upcoming West Bengal by-polls following a split. The commission allotted temporary identities to both factions: Mamata Banerjee's camp received the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with the football player symbol, while the rebel faction was named Democratic Trinamool Congress with the envelope symbol. The rebel camp claimed the support of 64 out of 80 MLAs. Both sides traded charges, with the rebel faction criticising party functioning and Mamata's camp calling the decision undemocratic. Opposition allies condemned the move, while the BJP dismissed any involvement in the internal feud.
This news broadcast covers key national and corporate developments, starting with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiating legal adjudication against Nestle India over promotional claims for infant formulas such as NAN EXELA Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1 under the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act.
The Election Commission of India has officially allocated interim names and symbols to the two factions of the Trinamool Congress following a split in the party. The faction led by Mamata Banerjee has been named Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with the symbol of a football player. Meanwhile, the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has been designated as the Democratic Trinamool Congress with an envelope symbol. The original TMC name and symbol have been frozen pending a substantive determination by the commission. These temporary allocations will be used for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal's Rajnagar and Nandigram constituencies scheduled for October 6. The split comes amid ongoing legal battles in the courts and before the speaker regarding disqualification petitions and control over party assets, while political opponents have described the internal developments as an implosion within the party.
The Election Commission of India has frozen the Trinamool Congress party name and its twin flower symbol for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal, barring both the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and the rebel faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee from using them. Following the interim order, both factions were directed to submit alternative names and symbols to the poll panel. The Mamata Banerjee camp has proposed using her name alongside Trinamool Congress, citing her identity as the primary face of the party. Meanwhile, the rebel faction has suggested incorporating terms such as democratic or nationalist with the party name, contending that political leadership cannot be inherited. The interim decision comes ahead of by-polls in Rajarhat and Nandigram, with the commission reviewing the submitted proposals to allot temporary names and symbols to enable candidates to campaign.
The Election Commission of India has issued an interim order freezing the All India Trinamool Congress name and its traditional 'Jora phul' (twin flowers) symbol ahead of crucial by-elections in Nandigram and Rajnagar. Under the order, neither the faction led by founder Mamata Banerjee nor the rebel camp headed by West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee can use the name or symbol until the dispute is resolved. Both factions were directed to submit three preferred temporary names and symbols. Mamata Banerjee submitted her response lodging a strong protest against the decision. The Ritabrata Banerjee faction welcomed the poll panel's move, asserting that control over a political party cannot be inherited. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties extended support to Mamata Banerjee, criticising the Election Commission and the BJP. State BJP leaders remarked that the symbol freeze was inconsequential as the party had lost ground in the state.
