Decoding the Significance of Election Symbols in Indian Politics

Introduction

• The recent Supreme Court decision in Telangana, denying a plea by a political party regarding the allocation of election symbols, has brought attention to the intriguing realm of political symbols in India. This article aims to delve into the intricate process of symbol allocation and its pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape.

Authority for Symbol Allocation: Election Commission of India (ECI)

• The responsibility of allocating symbols to political parties lies with the Election Commission of India (ECI), which follows the guidelines outlined in The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This order is designed to regulate the specification, reservation, choice, and allotment of symbols during elections.

Types of Election Symbols

Reserved and Free Symbols

• Symbols are categorized as either reserved, exclusively designated for recognized political parties, or ‘free’ symbols available for selection by candidates from unrecognised registered parties. Unrecognized parties are those that have not met the criteria for state party recognition.

Exclusive Symbols

• Recognized national and state parties are bestowed with exclusive symbols, signifying their established status.
• Symbol Selection Process by Parties

Preference Lists

• Unrecognized parties furnish a list of ten preferred symbols from the pool of free symbols.

Proposal of New Symbols

• Parties have the liberty to propose up to three new symbols for consideration, provided they do not bear resemblance to reserved or free symbols, possess religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.

Common Symbol Assignment

• The ECI may allocate a proposed symbol as a common symbol for the party if it deems it suitable.

Historical Origins of Symbols

Sketching Process

• Initially, symbols were conceptualized by MS Sethi, who retired from the ECI in 1992. These symbols emerged from brainstorming sessions where the aim was to identify objects relatable to the common man.

Birth of Familiar Symbols

• Many iconic symbols like the bicycle, elephant, and broom originated from these sessions.

Unconventional Entries

• Some lesser-known symbols such as a pair of glasses, a nail cutter, and a neck-tie were also suggested, showcasing the diversity of ideas.

Modern Additions

• Over time, new symbols like a bowl of noodles and a mobile charger have been included in the symbol list, reflecting contemporary times.

Political Parties’ Involvement

Preference Submission

• Unregistered parties submit their symbol preferences from the list of free symbols.

Proposal of New Symbols

• Parties can suggest up to three new symbols with clear designs and drawings.

Criteria for Approval

• Proposed symbols must not resemble existing reserved or free symbols, possess religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.

Symbol Allocation in Split Parties

Decision by ECI

• In cases of recognized political parties splitting, the ECI determines the symbol assignment. For instance, the Congress party’s symbol evolved from a pair of bulls to the current hand symbol due to splits.

Recent Example

• The ECI allocated different symbols to factions of the Shiv Sena, allowing one faction to retain the bow and arrow symbol while allotting a flaming torch to the other.

Conclusion

• The allocation of election symbols in India is a meticulous process governed by the ECI’s guidelines. These symbols hold profound significance in political campaigns, representing parties’ identities and ideologies. Understanding the history and intricacies of symbol allocation provides valuable insights into India’s dynamic political landscape.