Indian political symbols are not soapsuds of ink on the ballot in an election but a very intimate relationship between parties and people. The looks and identity of every party arrive attached with the symbol of election by which they get identified by millions of electors in a moment. Among those very strong and distinct symbols of Indian politics, the symbol of Trinamool Congress’s two flowers and grass is one that stands out.
The All India Trinamool Congress, or AITC, politically embattled by Mamata Banerjee, has developed some identity through the adoption of this symbol. It signifies simplicity, people’s touch, grass-root strength, and that of West Bengal and the world.
This article is concentrating on the meaning, design, and implications of the Trinamool Congress symbol, political history of the symbol, and how the symbol represents the ideology of the party.
What Is the All India Trinamool Congress Symbol
The symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) is two flowers on grass. It is known as Ghas Phul, or “grasses and flowers.”
It is statutorily notified by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the reserved election symbol of the AITC in India.
| Feature | Description |
| Official Party Name | All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) |
| Symbol | Two flowers on grass |
| Common Name | Ghas Phul |
| Adopted | 1998 (after party formation) |
| Used In | Election ballot, flags, posters, and campaigning |
| Party Leader | Mamata Banerjee |
The symbol has also become recognized with the party nowadays. People identify AITC candidates from distant locations even by twin flowers and grass.
Design of Trinamool Congress Symbol
AITC symbol is two flowering plants suspended on green blades of grass, sketched in straight lines. The designs are kept simple so that they will appear nicely printed in ballot papers and legible to the people with low literacy levels.
Colors Used:
- Green: Represents nature, growth, and the agricultural culture of Bengal.
- White: Represents peace and chastity.
- Black outlines: Give intensity and sharpness to the designs.
Whereas the Election Commission variant is black and white for uniformity, the party uses green, white, and blue hues in campaign flags and billboard billboards.
Symbolism and Meaning
The “two flowers on grass” symbol is symbolic and emotive to the supporters. It signifies simplicity, purity, and strong connection with rural Bengal culture.
| Symbol Element | Meaning |
| Two Flowers | Symbolize the coming together of the people, both rural and urban |
| Grass | Symbolizes the “grassroots” influence of the party |
| Blooming Design | Symbolizes growth, expansion, and hope |
| Simplicity | Symbolizes integrity and the people’s voice |
| Natural Motif | Symbolizes the party’s emphasis on nature-friendliness and simplicity |
Together they symbolize the party name “Trinamool,” which interestingly is also the Bengali term for “grassroots.” The symbol is most specifically related to the party ideology in an attempt to generate an impetus to ordinary people from lower rungs of society.
Historical Background of the Symbol
Mamata Banerjee formed the All India Trinamool Congress in January 1998 when she split from the Indian National Congress. “Trinamool” is the term for grassroot in a literal context, and it represents the strength of people from the grassroot.
When she formed the new party, Mamata Banerjee chose the twin flower symbol to represent growth and hope. It was going to be different from the rest of the national big parties and to appeal to simple Bengal voters who gave a high value to hard work and simplicity.
Since then, the face of Ghas Phul has been on every AITC flag, poll hoarding, and billboard. It turned into the political campaign face of Mamata Banerjee and now enjoys national popularity.
Official Identification by Election Commission
Election Commission of India (ECI) reserves and retains symbols for use by parties during elections.
The “two flowers and grass” was formally assigned to the All India Trinamool Congress in 1998. It has been its official and permanent emblem since then.
The symbol is affixed on the ballot during elections, especially national and state elections, along with the name of the AITC candidate so that voters would be able to easily identify their candidate.
Visual and Cultural Appeal
Trinamool Congress symbol is emotionally charged with Bengal heritage. Grass and flowers are common elements of rural life, and they symbolize beginnings, innocence, and strength.
It is pleasing to the eye because it is simple, two naturally occurring flowers from the same stem, symbolizing harmony and unity. Soft nature imagery is attractive to peasants, women, and workers.
The symbol also depicts the natural terrain of Bengal, fields, rivers, and greenery, all within its ethos.
Political Campaigns Uses of the Symbol
The Trinamool symbol is to be seen everywhere, from TV graphics to poll flags, from walls of villages painted with them to cyberspace social networking campaigns.
Some of the uses are as follows:
- Poll posters and hoardings
- Party flags and office accessories
- TV advertisements
- Social media wallpapers
- Poll manifestos and booklets
- Poll awareness campaigns
- Party worker and clothing merchandise
During elections, the symbol takes on the most prominent role in AITC campaigning, at times accompanied by an image of Mamata Banerjee or slogans such as “Ma, Mati, Manush” (Mother, Land, People).
Ideology Expressed Through the Symbol
All India Trinamool Congress adheres to democracy, secularism, and the empowerment of the poor. The symbol very well portrays this ideology:
- Grassroots democracy: Grass represents the grassroots of society, common people.
- Growth and development: The open flowers represent growth.
- Equality: Both flowers are of the same size and shape, representing equality.
- Hope and simplicity: The bouquet of flowers represents hope and simplicity.
The symbol unites people on one idea, development through perseverance and unity.
Comparison with Other Party Symbols
Every party in India possesses a symbol that represents their vision. The AITC symbol is unique in that it’s calm and natural in its imagery.
| Party | Symbol | Meaning |
| Indian National Congress | Hand | Strength and power of the people |
| BJP | Lotus | Cultural heritage and purity |
| CPI(M) | Hammer, Sickle, and Star | Unity of peasants and laborers |
| AITC | Two flowers and grass | People’s development and hope |
As compared to the aggressive symbolism of weapons or beasts, Trinamool symbol is a natural and non-violent one, representing hope rather than power.
The Symbol in the Elections
Trinamool symbol proved to be a good election weapon since 1998. It has figured in the historic victories:
- 2001: First robust performance of AITC in West Bengal elections.
- 2011: Historic victory when Mamata Banerjee ended 34 years of Left Front rule.
- 2016 and 2021: Continual domination in state elections.
The rural Bengal voters are most identified with the symbol and not with the candidate name, hence making the “two flowers and grass” a turning point of AITC’s victory.
Also Read: Potential Transformer Symbol: What Is It, Why, and How to Explain It for Beginners
Legal and Official Use
Party symbols, according to Election Commission regulation, are sacred and no one should use them.
The AITC uses its symbol officially on:
- Party letterheads and stamps
- Government letters during a term of government
- ECI-approved election stationery
Tampering or misuse of the symbol is a criminal offense under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Lessons from the Trinamool Congress Symbol
The popularity of the AITC symbol is evidence that visual identity has the ability to touch hearts. The learnings are as follows:
- Simplicity is strength: The look is simple but never forgettable.
- Cultural relevance is key: The symbol denotes the earth and the people of Bengal.
- Emotional resonance prevails: People deeply connect with the image.
- Consistency builds reliability: The party never wavered from the logo or color.
- Symbols are storytelling: Twin flowers tell the tale of unity and grass-roots power.
These principles make the Trinamool symbol most iconic in Indian politics.
Visual Depiction of Symbol in Popular Culture and Fine Arts
Trinamool Congress symbol appears in popular local fine arts, murals, and songs. Local street artists create murals depicting the twin flowers on city walls during election periods. The symbol makes visual culture in Bengal and not just politics.
In posters, rallies, and even street theater, the two flowers growing out of grass symbol is used as an icon for the strength and development of Bengal.
The All India Trinamool Congress two flowers on grass symbol is more than just a poll symbol. It is a living embodiment of the grassroots culture of Bengal. It represents harmony, development, and people’s power.
Ever since 1998 till date, the symbol continues to be a motivation for the party cause, development for all in an environment of honesty, simplicity, and people’s bonding.
Every time the voter casts his or her eye on the “Ghas Phul,” they get an association with the symbol of hope, transformation, and voice of the masses, the essence of Trinamool Congress.