Blow To Alliance: Glass Symbol For 50 Rebels, Independents

In a major blow to the prospects of the TDP+ alliance, the Election Commission declared glass tumbler as a free-to-use election symbol in the constituencies where Janasena is not contesting. So far, over rebels, independents, and non-recognized party candidates in 50 assembly constituencies have been allocated the glass symbol.

The issue here is that the glass symbol is branded extensively as JSP’s election symbol and it has gotten registered in the minds of the public. But with the decision of EC, the rebels and independents who are contesting in constituencies where JSP is not contesting can get the unruly advantage of getting the glass symbol and benefit from JSP’s recognized symbol.

Not just JSP, even TDP and BJP are on the receiving end of this as there is a chance that a small percent of voters might get confused with the symbol and poll the votes for the glass symbol thinking it belongs to the JSP candidates.

In a tight election, every single vote counts and even a small deviation can lead to excruciatingly decisive results. So, whatever diversion that happens through rebels and independents getting glass symbol is a dagger to the TDP+ alliance’s heart. Going by this trend, we could see a glass symbol in contention in all 154 assembly seats that JSP is not contesting and instead supporting TDP+ candidates.

The situation is such that the independents and small-party candidates in Chandrababu’s Kuppam, Nara Lokesh’s Mangalagiri, and other key segments. How will the alliance counter this? We should wait and watch.