Nagpur: In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Nagpur constituency, the political landscape is set to witness an intriguing clash between symbols as diverse as ‘Auto’, ‘Road-Roller’, ‘Biscuit’, ‘Cylinder’, ‘Helmet’, ‘Torch’, and ‘Petrol Pump’. These symbols, allotted to smaller parties and independent candidates by the Election Commission of India, add a splash of colour to the electoral canvas, mirroring the varied aspirations and beliefs of the candidates vying for the voters’ attention.
While some may find symbols like ‘Biscuit’ or ‘Petrol Pump’ less captivating compared to more traditional ones like the ‘Tiger’, candidates argue that even seemingly mundane symbols carry significance. Praful Bhange, a Lok Sabha candidate from Nagpur allotted the ‘Petrol Pump’ symbol, views it as a representation of economic drivers, despite interpretations hinting at ‘inflation’.
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The electoral arena becomes a melting pot of ideologies as symbols like ‘Biscuit’ engage in a symbolic duel against ‘Kettle’, and ‘Cot’ squares off against ‘Almirah’. Amidst the dominance of political heavyweights, many candidates, albeit unknown beyond their localities, step into the fray.
For these lesser-known candidates, the motivation to contest transcends mere electoral victory. Gunwant Somkumar, an ex-Armyman allotted the ‘Cylinder’ symbol, emphasizes the importance of being a voice for the common man and holding political giants accountable. Somkumar said, “You can’t think in terms of winning or losing, it’s about being there on the battlefield and standing up for what you believe. I want to be the voice of the common man and make political giants accountable.”
Similarly, Sahil Turkar, allotted the ‘Biscuit’ symbol for the second time in Nagpur’s Lok Sabha polls, sees his candidacy as an extension of social work, challenging the notion that victory against national parties is unattainable.
However, contesting elections is not without its challenges. It demands rigorous campaigning, substantial financial resources, and time commitment, often met with skepticism from candidates’ families. Despite familial reservations, candidates like Bhange persist in their belief that participation in the democratic process is vital for effecting change in governance and society.
While some candidates make anecdotal claims for posterity – “I fought the election against Nitin Gadkari” — for others it’s just not about a moment of fame, but driving home a point in a battle dominated by political giants.
In essence, Nagpur’s electoral battleground transcends the conventional narrative of a clash between political heavyweights and commoners. It becomes a stage where symbols, big or small, represent not just parties but ideals and aspirations. Through their participation, these lesser-known candidates aim to carve a niche for themselves, echoing the essence of democracy where every voice, regardless of its size, has the potential to resonate.
