Central Idea

A recent Supreme Court decision declining a plea by a political party in Telangana, questioning the allocation of election symbols, has thrown the spotlight on the intriguing world of political symbols in India.
This article delves into the process of symbol allocation and its role in shaping the country’s political landscape.

Symbols Allocation Authority: ECI

The ECI is responsible for allocating symbols to political parties, following guidelines laid out in The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
This order aims to regulate symbol specification, reservation, choice, and allotment during elections.

Reserved and Free Symbols: Symbols can be either reserved, exclusively assigned to recognized political parties, or ‘free’ symbols that can be chosen by unrecognised registered parties’ candidates. Unrecognized parties are those that haven’t met the criteria for state party recognition.
Exclusive Symbols: Recognized national and state parties are granted exclusive symbols, signifying their established status.

Preference Lists: Unrecognized parties provide a list of ten preferred symbols from the free symbol pool.
Proposal of New Symbols: Parties can propose up to three new symbols for consideration, provided they do not resemble reserved or free symbols, carry religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.
Common Symbol Assignment: The ECI may allot a proposed symbol as a common symbol for the party if it deems it suitable.

Sketching Process: Symbols were initially sketched by MS Sethi, who retired from the ECI in 1992. These symbols were conceived through brainstorming sessions where the goal was to identify objects that the common man could relate to.
Birth of Familiar Symbols: Many iconic symbols such as the bicycle, elephant, and broom originated from these sessions.
Unconventional Entries: Some lesser-known symbols like a pair of glasses, a nail cutter, and a neck-tie were also suggested, reflecting 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.

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.

Decision by ECI: When recognized political parties split, the ECI determines the symbol assignment. For example, the Congress party’s symbol evolved from a pair of bulls to the current hand symbol due to splits.
Recent Example: The ECI assigned 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.

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.