Samajwadi election symbol row: SY Qureshi says both factions might get ad hoc name, symbol

Former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Qureshi on Monday, with regard to Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav both approaching the Election Commission separately today to stake claim to the 'cycle' symbol, said the elections being round the corner the commission could given ad hoc name and ad hoc symbol to the two factions.

"It will take time for the Election Commission to come to a conclusion. Normally, it takes three and four months and I do not see how it can be short-circuited. Till then the arrangement could be that the party's symbol will be frozen and both factions will be given an ad hoc name and ad hoc symbols so that they can contest the election," Qureshi said.

Qureshi also told the entire procedure which is going to take place.

"The case will first go to the Election Commission because election is round the corner and it will be contested as to who will own the symbol. Election Commission will start the judicial proceedings, giving opportunity to the other party to explain. They will give their stand, the party constitution, how it is working, number of MLCs in favour of which faction. Their signatures, evidence, affidavits, all will be produced," he said.

The Yadav versus Yadav battle shifts to Delhi today where the Samajwadi Party factions led by Mulayam and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will stake claim to the party's symbol 'cycle'.

Mulayam, who founded the party 25 years ago, said this morning that the "Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature."

He has cancelled a party meeting he had called on December 5 and has asked party candidates to head to their constituencies and prepare for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The Samajwadi Party split yesterday with Akhilesh being declared the party president in place of his father at a massive show of strength in a public ground in Lucknow.

Mulayam has declared Akhilesh's meeting and its decisions "illegal."

The Chief Minister's staunch supporter and Mulayam's cousin Ram Gopal Yadav will visit the Election Commission in Delhi today to stake claim to the 'cycle' symbol.

Given that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are round the corner, the Election Commission could freeze the 'cycle' symbol instead of hurriedly granting it to any one side.