Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) has given clear instructions marking it as a `Common Symbol’ for Jana Sena candidates, some Returning Officers in Andhra Pradesh have allotted the same to independent candidates, violating ECI regulations.
The TDP- Jana Sena and BJP alliance leaders have been protesting against this abusive act of some Returning Officers and registered their protests. They are fearing that it may have an adverse impact on the winning chances of their candidates.
According to reports, the `glass’ symbol was allotted to more than 25 independent candidates, in constituencies where Jana Sena is not contesting. It may be recalled that as part of seat sharing formula between these three parties, Jana Sena is contesting in 21 assembly constituencies, besides 2 Lok Sabha seats.
Though the alliance party leaders are trying to convince the independent candidates who got glass symbols to withdraw from the contest, the YSRCP is said to have been more interested in keeping such candidates in the contest as it will dent the votes of tri party alliance.
In Vizianagaram, the Returning Officer ignoring objections from three party alliance leaders, the `glass’ symbol was allotted to rebel- TDP candidate Meesala Geetha. In Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Jaggaiahpet and some other constituencies. Jana Sena is contesting from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha seat.
Though Jana Sena appealed to Election Commission not to allot glass symbol to independent candidates, the returning officers are said to be allotting the symbol considering it as a free symbol to independent candidates where the JSP is not in the fray.
Surprisingly, the officials have allotted glass symbol to Jana Sena rebel candidate Suryachandra at Jaggampeta stating that they had allotted the glass symbol as per rules. It is said Suryachandra, who failed to get Jana Sena ticket, filed nomination as Jana Sena rebel candidate for Jaggampeta Assembly constituency.
Likewise, the glass symbol was allotted to Navataram Party candidate Krishna Kishore who filed nomination for Vijayawada parliamentary constituency.