Symbol woes: TJS asked to submit fresh list

​Hyderabad: The Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) is facing symbol woes with just 50 days left for Assembly elections. The new entrant to Telangana politics has been keenly awaiting finalisation of symbol by Election Commission of India for the last few days. But, a fresh development has come off as a shock to party functionaries.

The ECI has communicated to the party that the symbols’ that it had submitted earlier were not available for allotment as of present. It may be noted that TJS first list included torchlight, cup and saucer, gas stove etc. TJS sources stated that delay in completion of formalities for recognition and change of address issues meant symbol issue was taken much later by authorities and hence, the present situation.

Prof Kodandaram-led party was asked to submit new names for party symbol and accordingly, another list that included matchbox, cylinder were handed over to the ECI. The party is expecting that the exercise would be done by early next week. Insiders say first preference was given to matchbox symbol and they expressed hope that it might get Commission’s nod without any issues. Meanwhile, the TJS ranks are concerned over symbol delay in addition to the headache of no clarity on seat-sharing and TJS quota in the alliance.

“It is a big challenge to take the new symbol, whenever it comes, to the masses in 31 districts. Time is already running out and there is no idea when the party campaign material will carry party symbol and candidate in a particular constituency. Party cadre is hoping for clarity by Dasara festival, but as of now we are disappointed with no progress,” said a leader.

If symbol delay is proving to be a headache, Telangana Congress's latest proposal to allow some TJS candidates contest under Congress symbol has led to new problem and discussion within party ranks. It is learnt that Kodandaram rejected the offer right away. Some leaders say TJS contesting on Congress symbol was not ideal as more or less it would send a message that TJS merged with Congress, which is not the case. TJS would like to have its own identity under Kodandaram, they added.