The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has asked the State Election Commission to suspend its ‘flower and grass’ symbol for the upcoming civic elections in Kerala. The state unit of AITC approached the Election Commission citing “internal irregularities”.
Officials have indicated that the Election Commission will soon freeze the AITC symbol. The state unit of AITC has asked the Commission to inform all returning officers about the freeze.
The AITC’s move to freeze its own “flower and grass” symbol is being interpreted as a move to prevent state convener PV Anwar from using it, underscoring a deep rift between the party’s official unit and Mr Anwar.
In a letter to the Commission, AITC State President CG Unni explained that the party could not field candidates as it had no formal district committees; central management did not approve the opening of two bank accounts; did not initiate nationwide membership; internal elections were not held as required by the AITC constitution.
The AITC state unit claims that the appointment of Mr. Anwar as the state convener is not permitted by the party’s constitution. Mr. Unni told the Commission that the party would not be able to submit its election accounts.
The AITC state unit opposed the official candidature of Mr. Anvar during the Nilambur Assembly elections held in June 2025. Mr. Anvar had to run as an independent after the Election Commission of India rejected his nomination as the AITC candidate in Nilambur.
Meanwhile, Mr. Anvar called on his supporters to run as independents in the civic elections. He asked them to avoid any confrontation with the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the local polls.
According to insiders, Mr. Anvar eagerly joined the UDF; but UDF leaders ruled out accepting him as AITC representative. However, UDF leaders have indicated their willingness to negotiate with him on local-level arrangements.
The AITC state leadership rejects any alliance with the UDF arguing that the front does not even recognize the party. He sees Mr. Anvar’s attempts to ally with the UDF as damaging to AITC’s prospects in Kerala.
Published – 20 Nov 2025 20:37 IST
