Bhattacharya was long known as one of Mamata Banerjee's closest aides and held several important portfolios in the Trinamool government

Mamata Banerjee said the Trinamool's symbol would remain with the bloc loyal to her, indicating that the rebels might face a protracted legal battle.

Mamata Banerjee defended her faction's claim over Trinamool Bhavan after the rebel camp seized the Kolkata headquarters. The standoff has sharpened the wider fight before the Election Commission over the party's name, symbol and organisation.