Kottayam: As the period of filing nominations ends, fronts in Kottayam constituency are facing a symbol controversy. Kerala Congress candidate Francis George, who is contesting for the UDF, is yet to be allotted a symbol. The reason for this is that the party is not recognised by the Election Commission. Independent candidates too need to wait till the ECI allocates symbols. The LDF is taking advantage of this situation by highlighting their symbol.

The left front is seeking votes for Chazhikkadan by highlighting the fact that he has been contesting with the same symbol consistently. The party symbol is two leaves. They point out that Chazikadan became an MLA from Ettummanoor and MP from Kottayam under the same symbol. 

After the Kerala Congress split, the legal battle between the Jose and Joseph factions for the  two leaf symbol had reached the notice of the Election commission of India. Jose had the last laugh in the battle as Kerala Congress (M) was given recognition and the symbol. With this, the Joseph section began a search for its own symbol.

In the 2020 local elections, drum (chenda) was the symbol while it was a tractor in the 2021 Assembly elections. Although the Kerala Congress acquired registration by merging with P.C Thomas’ party, it required an MP to become a recognised party and get its own symbol. That is what they are vying for this time. 

The other day, opposition leader VD Satheesan said that two leaves is not a factor in the elections. Moreover, taking a stab at Kerala Congress (M), Satheesan said, ‘Didn’t two leaves lose in Pala and Kaduthuruthy?’