Free poll symbols grab you

BANGALORE: A couple of days from now, imagine being serenaded by a bead necklace by a person who is asking you to vote for him or her. Or maybe there will be a bunch of plantains or a basket of vegetables that you would have to choose from. True to the diktats of kapda, bijli aur paani, some candidates might even woo you with an electric bulb or a coat or even a dam!
These and many more rather unusual and odd symbols are part of a list of free symbols that the State Commission (SEC) has released, of which candidates contesting in the upcoming BBMP elections can choose.
There are over 70 symbols, representing the most myriad facets of life, from the grassroot-level agricultural equipment to everyday transport.
As per rules, the candidate has to choose three symbols at the time of filing nominations. A candidate contesting from a registered party is allotted the party symbol while others can choose from the list of free symbols.
In case there is more than one candidate choosing the same free symbol, the Election Commission will allot it after drawing lots of the names of candidates.
VARIETY FARE
Candidates have a choice from various aspects of life: for those who like fruits and vegetables, there is an apple, pineapple, mango, a bunch of plantains, maize or a basket of vegetables.
For the grassroot-oriented ones, there is the bullock cart, cart, a farmer winnowing grain and a plough. In transport, there are symbols of a scooter, bus, railway engine, jeep, aeroplane, car and the like.
There are other odds and ends too, like almirah, brick, bench, book, sewing machine, ladder, lantern, harmonium, scissors, slate and even a pair of spectacles! Talk about ways of wooing voters!