Bengaluru: Grapes, pineapple, watermelon, road roller, television set, candles…
Wondering what this random list of fruits and other articles is all about? These are the symbols allotted by the Election Commission to independent candidates contesting the state Assembly elections on May 12.
Well-known national and regional political parties already have symbols that are well recognised by the voter. But for independents, the Election Commission has to come up with innovative symbols to help voters recognise the new parties and independents.
After the choice is made, the Election Commission assigns the symbols and informs independents. It allots symbols as per the provisions under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
The All-India Mahila Empowerment Party (MEP), floated by Ms Nowhera Shaik, has been allotted a diamond symbol. Of the 224 constituencies in the state, MEP has fielded candidates in over 200 constituencies and has been campaigning aggressively. The party has taken the city seriously and is inviting Bollywood stars for campaigning soon, party sources said.
When Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa broke away from the BJP and floated Karnataka Janata Party (KJP), he was allotted a broken coconut as the party symbol. R. Manikanta, a resident of Ulsoor, said that some symbols will have a connect with voters and could help the independents. “For instance, the road roller symbol allotted to the Kannada Paksha may attract the attention of voters. The possibility of people randomly voting based on the symbols cannot be ruled out,” he said.
