YSR Congress Gets Ceiling Fan Symbol

The Election Commission Of India (ECI) on Thursday allotted a symbol to the YSR Congress Party which is contesting the by-elections for Kadapa Lok Sabha and the Pulivendula Assembly constituencies.

The Election Commission announced that both the YSR Congress Party candidates, Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and his mother Y S Vijayalakhsmi Reddy, have been allotted the "ceiling fan" as their symbol. Voting is due for both the seats on May 8th.

With the allotment of a common symbol, both Jagan and Vijayamma have intensified their election campaign. Their supporters are now busy enlightening the voters about the party symbol.

The common symbol will go a long way to help the candidates, especially in light of the fact that many of their namesakes have filed nominations, feels party leader and former MLC H A Rahman.

Rahman alleged that the Congress had attempted to confuse the voters by getting many "Jaganmohan Reddys" and many "Vijayalakshmis" to file nominations. He said that the ECI's ruling was a like a slap in the face for the Congress.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had rejected a plea by Jagan for allotment of a common symbol to his newly floated party 30 days in advance, instead of the usual 2 weeks, to help fight next month's by-elections.

The apex court had said that there was no provision under the law to make such an allotment, and had left the allotment of the common symbol to the discretion of the Election Commission.

After receiving directions from the court, the Election Commission allotted the symbol today.

The YSR Congress Party now has 16 days to enlighten voters about the symbol. (INN)