Kolkata, July 3:
The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress intensified on Thursday, with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction staking claim over the party before the Election Commission, even as the TMC questioned how the poll panel could grant an audience to leaders expelled by it.
A delegation led by Ritabrata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners, a meeting the TMC said should not have taken place as only authorised signatories of a recognised political party could seek an appointment with the poll body.
“We are thankful that the full bench of the Election Commission gave us a patient hearing. We have made our points and are hopeful that the Election Commission will get back to us very shortly,” Banerjee told reporters after the meeting.
He said the faction had informed the commission in writing after holding a special organisational session in Kolkata on June 22 and had subsequently sought an appointment with the poll panel.
Without disclosing the documents submitted to the commission, Banerjee said the June 22 session was conducted by “abiding by all rules”. He expressed confidence that the Election Commission would examine the submissions and respond soon.