Sikkim symbol for PRP

In the latesttwist to its fight for a common symbol, the Praja Rajyam has reportedly come to an understanding with the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

Sources said the Praja Rajyam will tie up with the SDF of Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling, the Sikkim Chief Minister. The SDF is a recognised state party in Sikkim, and has the umbrella as its symbol.

Under the deal, Mr Chamling will authorise the PR president Chiranjeevi to issue ‘B’ forms for his candidates in the name of SDF.

Since SDF is a recognised state party (in Sikkim), PR candidates will get preference for a “common free symbol” in AP. They can ask, and will probably get, a common symbol here.

Mr P. Shiv Shankar, a former Governor of Sikkim and former Union law minister, is reported to have helped Chiranjeevi strikethe deal with Mr Chamling, as did a former Election Commissioner.

In light of this, the Praja Rajyam withdrew its petition in the AP High Court asking for a “common free symbol.” The court permitted the PR to withdraw.

Just before this, the High Court admitted a lunch motion filed by the socalled Ajeya Bharat Party seeking the rail engine symbol.

It claimed it had contested the 1994 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections and secured more than five per cent votes to qualify for the symbol. This sparked speculation that the PR could tie up with this party.