Will candle show them the road to Parliament? Or will kite ensure their dreams soaring high?The candle or kite may not have anything to do with the decision of voters but contestants in Delhi feel they could win the poll with these election mascots.
Candle has been alloted as a poll symbol in all seven constituencies to the aspirants contesting on the ticket of unregistered party or as an independent.
Some candidates seem to be fascinated with "kite and ceiling fan" as well as, according to a senior election official, over a dozen aspirants lined up to grab these symbols to woo the voters.
"We had to draw a lot to distribute the poll symbols," the officer added. On the other hand symbols like "scissor, violin, frock and fork" could not attract the candidates as there was not a single taker for the mascot.
Similarly, there was very less appetite for eatables like "ice cream, banana, maize, coconut and bread" as a few opted for them.
Total 49 free symbols were offered to independent candidates and from unrecognised parties which unlike the national and states parties do not have permanent election symbols.
"Rail engine" has been allotted to candidates in six constituencies, while "balloon, beating drum and battery torch "have been given to candidates of five Lok Sabha seats.
The official said that at least seven candidates in Chandani Chowk which has total 41 nominees had approached the election office for "rail engine" symbol while, five candidates from Northwest Delhi seat have shown their interest to fight on "kite" as their poll mascot.
"Slate, shuttle, kettle, frying pan, fork, harmonium, carrot" and brush" could not attract any aspirant. In Delhi Congress, BJP and BSP are recognised as the national party with "hand", "lotus" and "elephant" respectively as their poll symbols while state parties include Shiv Sena, Lok Dal and Janta Dal (S).
"The symbols chosen are such that they can be easily understood, remembered and recognised by the average voter," the official said adding that the Commission has stipulated that all the symbols used should be standard throughout India.
According to the Election Commission notification there are seven national parties, 48 state parties and 1000 registered unrecognised parties. There are 72 independent candidates out of total 160 aspirants whose fate will be decided by 1.10 crore electorals when polls will be held in Delhi on May 7.
