Clouds of uncertainty hover over INLD’s election symbol

Clouds of uncertainty are hovering over the election symbol of grand old regional party of Haryana led by former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala — the INLD.

With the INLD polling less votes than the statutory requirement for retaining its election symbol in the two successive Assembly polls — the spectacles — the Election Commission of India (ECI) may withdraw its symbol. This would mean that the ECI might withdraw registration of the INLD as the regional party, taking away it election symbol.

In the recent Assembly polls, the party polled over 5.75 lakh votes accounting for 4.14% of the total votes. The party won two seats — Aditya Devilal (Dabwali) and Arjun Chautala (Rania). However, it’s chief ministerial candidate lost elections from Ellenabad.

Quoting Election Symbols (Reservation snd Allotment) Order, 1968, Hemant Kumar, an advocate, asserted that any party to retain its regional party status must secure 6% votes besides winning two seats.The INLD fulfilled this condition only partially.

Another condition for retaining the regional party tag is the winning 3% of the total seats in the Assembly or three seats, whichever is higher.

In the 2019 Assembly polls also, the party had secured only 2.44% voting, winning only one seat.

Party won four seats in 1998 LS polls

The INLD was granted the status of regional party in 1998 after it won four seats in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls. The INLD and its earlier avatars such as Lok Dal, have been the ruling and main opposition party in Haryana multiple times. It’s founder — Devi Lal and his son Om Prakash Chautala — have been state Chief Ministers on multiple times.

Nothing to worry for JJP

Despite its dismal performance in the 2024 Assembly elections, the JJP, which polled over 1.25 lakh votes (0.9%), the JJP can breathe easy. This is due to the fact that in 2019 Assembly elections, the JJP won 10 seats by polling nearly 15% votes.