NCP (SP) Files Complaint with ECI Over Similar Poll Symbol in Baramati

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning the allocation of a poll symbol to an independent candidate, which bears a striking resemblance to its own. This dispute arises in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Baramati, a constituency in Maharashtra's Pune district known as a bastion for the NCP SP.

The crux of the issue lies in the ECI's decision to assign a symbol depicting a man blowing a traditional trumpet, known as 'turha' or 'tutari' in Marathi, to independent candidate Shaikh Soyalshah Yunusshah. The NCP SP, represented by Laxmikant Khabiya, argues that this symbol is too similar to their own, potentially leading to voter confusion. Khabiya, acting on behalf of NCP SP's candidate Supriya Sule, submitted the grievance on April 20, urging the ECI to reconsider its decision.

Supriya Sule, aiming for her fourth consecutive term in Baramati and daughter of Sharad Pawar, faces competition from within her family circle. She is up against Sunetra Pawar, her sister-in-law and the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife, representing the NCP within the Mahayuti alliance. This internal rivalry adds another layer of complexity to the electoral contest in Baramati.

The NCP SP has highlighted previous instances where the ECI accommodated their concerns regarding the 'tutari' symbol. Sule mentioned that after objections were raised by her team a month prior, the symbol assigned to an independent candidate in Wardha was altered. Despite efforts to resolve similar issues in other constituencies like Satara and Madha, they were informed that such matters fall exclusively under the ECI's jurisdiction.

Despite the complaint, Yunusshah confirmed that he had been informed by the returning officer that no changes would be made to his symbol. Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase also clarified that the resolution of this dispute is beyond his or the Baramati returning officer's authority and must be addressed by the ECI directly.

This controversy underscores the intricate dynamics of electoral politics in India, where symbols play a crucial role in voter recognition and party identity. As Baramati prepares for its third-phase polling on May 7, all eyes will be on how this symbol dispute unfolds and its potential impact on voter decision-making.