Mamata vs Ritabrata? Trinamool's July 21 battle escalates over 'illegal use' of party symbol

Kolkata: The battle within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the party's July 21 Martyrs' Day rally intensified on Sunday after the Kalighat faction lodged a police complaint against the Ritabrata-led camp, accusing it of using the party's name and symbol without authorisation. 

The complaint was submitted via email to New Town Police Station by Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen. 

It alleges cheating, criminal conspiracy and the circulation of false information and fabricated documents by the Ritabrata camp through the unauthorised use of the TMC identity and election symbol.

The latest flashpoint comes as rival factions step up preparations for the party's July 21 Martyrs' Day programme.

The Ritabrata camp has already approached the Kolkata Police seeking permission to organise a gathering outside Victoria House in Dharmatala.

Leaders have reportedly directed councillors to mobilise maximum participation from their respective areas, signalling an open show of strength ahead of the annual event.

Stepping up the attack, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accused the rival camp of betraying party supremo Mamata Banerjee.

'If those who won using Mamata Banerjee's symbol now claim they can take that symbol away from her, they are capable of betraying anyone. Their political career is over. Even if they receive a symbol from the Election Commission, for us the real symbol is Mamata Banerjee's face,' Ghosh said.

Rejecting the allegations, Ritabrata camp leader Sandipan Saha maintained that their meeting was held under the Trinamool Congress banner and insisted that public support, not rival claims over the party symbol, would decide the political battle.

The controversy comes a day after the Ritabrata faction held a meeting with over 50 Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors to chalk out its strategy for the July 21 Martyrs' Day programme, underscoring the widening rift within the ruling party. The BJP also took a swipe at the infighting, saying the dispute reflected the deep divisions within the Trinamool Congress.