Election symbol: Candidate smells TRS conspiracy
HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India sent an official from Delhi to Hyderabad on Wednesday to inquire into the complaint lodged by one E. Shiva Kumar contesting the Munugode Assembly bypoll on behalf of the Yuga Thulasi Party.
Shiva Kumar complained that the EC officials in Telangana had colluded with the TRS and allotted him "Baby Walker" symbol although he had got the "road roller' symbol in the draw of lots conducted by the returning officer in Munugode on Monday.
The road roller is one of the eight symbols which the TRS has urged the EC to delete from the list of 'free symbols' that is allotted to unrecognised parties and Independent candidates, arguing that they resemble the TRS’ car symbol and confuse voters.
Deputy Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey enquired into the complaint by holding a meeting with Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj and district election officer, Nalgonda, and returning officer.
The EC official is expected to submit a report to EC on Thursday. Meanwhile, speaking to media on Wednesday, Shiva Kumar alleged that the TRS had bribed the officer and got his symbol changed illegally.
He said that he would move a lunch motion petition in Telangana High Court on this issue. Shiv Kumar said he would not rest till he is allotted the road roller symbol or the bypoll is cancelled.