The Election Commission of India on Monday informed the Bombay High Court on Monday that the ‘whistle’ symbol will be allocated to the Hitendra Thakur-led Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, in accordance with the necessary guidelines.
Earlier this year, in January, the ‘whistle’ symbol had been granted to the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). During the 2024 general elections, a candidate from the BVA contested from Maharashtra’s Palghar Lok Sabha seat using the ‘whistle’ symbol, as the JD(U) did not field a candidate.
The announcement came during a hearing before a division bench of Justices Somasekhar Sundaresan and Arif Doctor, where the BVA petitioned for the symbol’s allocation.
The ECI presented a letter from the JD(U) stating its decision to withdraw from the November 20 assembly elections and surrender the ‘whistle’ symbol, which had been allocated to them under an order dated January 30, 2024.
The ECI confirmed that since the BVA had applied for the ‘whistle’ symbol, it would be allotted to them following the established rules and procedures. After this submission, the court disposed of the BVA’s petition, effectively granting them the symbol for the upcoming elections.
This development is significant for the BVA, enhancing their electoral strategy as they prepare for the assembly polls in Maharashtra.
The ‘whistle’ symbol provides a recognizable identity for the party, strengthening its position in the electoral landscape.
