Rahul Gandhi Slams Election Commission, BJP Over Party Symbol Freeze

Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of India and the BJP of colluding to split parties and snatch their election symbols. As he backed Mamata Banerjee after the TMC symbol freeze.

The All India Trinamool Congress's name and election symbol were ordered frozen by the EC on Thursday. With the two rival factions directed to select new names and symbols until the dispute is resolved. The decision comes with barely two weeks left for the bypolls in two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal — Nandigram and Rejinagar.

Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his outrage over the EC's decision, stating that it is "aiding those very forces that overturn the people's verdict." He also accused the BJP of trying to split parties and snatch their election symbols.

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"First Shiv Sena, then NCP, and now Trinamool Congress. Every time, the same pattern-BJP and the Election Commission join forces to split a party. Then its election symbol is snatched away.

When an entire party can be stolen, it's hardly surprising that the votes of millions of Indians can be stolen, too," Gandhi said in his post.

The TMC symbol freeze is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the TMC and its rival faction led by Mamata Banerjee. The EC's decision has sparked controversy among political parties and voters alike, with many questioning the commission's impartiality.

Also Read: EC Freezes TMC's Name, Symbol Over Rival Factions Dispute

West Bengal has been witnessing a surge in political tensions in recent times. With several high-profile defections and alliances forming between different parties. The bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar are seen as vital in determining the future of regional politics in the state.

The Election Commission has maintained that its decision was taken in accordance with the law. And that it is committed to ensuring free and fair elections. The BJP has also defended its actions, stating that they are necessary to prevent any party from manipulating the electoral process.

Mamata Banerjee has thanked Rahul Gandhi for his support. Saying that she will not back down in her fight against the EC's decision. The TMC is expected to contest all seven seats in the bypolls, with Mamata Banerjee leading the charge from the front.