The Congress leader alleged that the Election Commission was “working like a frontal organisation of the BJP” and attempting to “wipe out a political party”.
“This is an extremely dangerous indication for parliamentary democracy. We strongly condemn it,” he said.
Sarkar clarified that the Congress would continue its political opposition to the TMC. He alleged that the ruling party had been responsible for attacks that killed Congress workers, the occupation of its offices and “gross misgovernance” in West Bengal.
“But that does not mean the Election Commission, at the behest of the BJP, will embark on such an exercise to wipe out a political party. Such partisan behaviour by the EC is weakening the foundations of democracy,” he said.
“The Indian National Congress strongly protests this decision,” Sarkar added.
In its interim order issued on Thursday night, the Election Commission said it had identified two competing groups within the All India Trinamool Congress. One is led by Mamata Banerjee, while the other is headed by Arup Roy and belongs to the rebel camp associated with Ritabrata Banerjee.
Both groups claim to represent the recognised party. The commission said their competing claims would require detailed consideration under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Until a final determination is made, neither faction can use the All India Trinamool Congress name or its reserved “flowers and grass” symbol in the October 6 bypolls.
The two camps were directed to submit three proposed names and three choices from the EC’s list of free symbols by 11 am on Friday.
With PTI inputs
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