EC asks rival TMC factions to submit legitimacy claims by July 6

The Election Commission of India has directed competing Trinamool Congress factions to file their respective claims over party signatory rights and organizational elections by July 6. The directive follows a hearing in which rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee argued that his group constitutes the genuine TMC, citing support from a number of MLAs. The faction led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pushed back, questioning the propriety of the EC granting the rebel group an audience. The Mamata camp alleged procedural violations and accused the rebels of benefiting from political influence in securing the meeting.