On polling day, voters were pleasantly amused by the variety of symbols on the candidates’ list. Apart from the all too familiar two leaves and rising sun symbols, it was the independent candidate symbols that raised many eyebrows. And some of them are plain hilarious.
Every election, the Election Commission releases a list of the symbols that are free for parties and candidates to use. And nothing is off the table. Speaking of table, there’s a table too.
Household appliances fridge, pressure cooker, air conditioner, mixer and made their debut yesterday. But here are some really absurd symbols.
Some symbols have been barred for independent candidates in specific states. No ice cream for Tamil Nadu. Or baskets of fruits.
No saws or cots for Kerala.
And no hats for Andhra Pradesh.
According to EC rules, a party loses its recognition if it doesn’t poll 6% in the state elections, a normal for independent candidates. And there goes the symbol. Which means these novel, hilarious symbols will be back next election for more to use.