BVA's last-ditch effort of getting 'whistle' symbol dashed

The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), which had lost its election symbol of 'whistle' to a newly-formed outfit, made a last-ditch effort to get it back on Friday, but could not succeed in its endeavour.

The BVA, led by Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur, has fielded former MP Baliram Jadhav from Palghar Lok Sabha constituency against sitting MP Rajendra Gavit, who is contesting as a Shiv Sena candidate.

The Election Commission had earlier allotted the whistle symbol to newly-formed Bahujan Maha Party (BMP), which has fielded a number of candidates in the state and elsewhere in the country.

However, BMP candidate Ketan Patil withdrew his nomination for the Palghar seat on Friday afternoon.

After his withdrawal, the BVA sensed an opportunity of getting back its whistle symbol, on which it had earlier contested elections.

However, returning officer Prashant Narnavre, told the BVA leaders around midnight that the whistle symbol could be allotted to any other party now.

Disappointed by the decision, the BVA, which has been allotted 'auto-rickshaw' symbol earlier, fears that it may lose its assured votes as most of the voters know the party by 'whistle' symbol.

Although the main contest in Palghar is between Jadhav and Gavit, total dozen candidates are in the fray for the seat.