This is an archive article published on May 11, 2024
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Independent candidate in Pune promises Rs 1 lakh prize if one can explain a single advantage of party symbols
Dhankude is of the opinion that, instead of the party symbol, the EVM should have the name of the contestant or his/her photo beside the button instead.
Sachin Dhankude was campaigning on Paud road with two of his supporters. (Express)
Sachin Dattatraya Dhankude’s campaign hoardings display his election symbol of the chappal (slipper) struck out with a big red cross. Dhankude, 49, an independent candidate from Pune constituency, clarifies (on the hoarding) that the election symbol was not his choice but was given to him by the Election Commission, citing rules.
With polling just a day away, Dhankude was campaigning on Paud road with two of his supporters. A four-sided enclosed structure of hoardings was placed on wheels, pulled with a strip of cloth by one of his supporters. Dhankude walked along with a mic, raising the slogan, “Chinhe hatava, lokshahi vachva” which means “ban election symbols, save democracy”.
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While speaking to The Indian Express, Dhankude said, “I don’t think we need election symbols.” They were introduced during the first elections, he said, as at that time 85 per cent of the population was illiterate. “But today, 85 per cent of the population is educated, it is not acceptable to be all categorised as illiterate. There should be separate EVM machines for those who can read and write,” said Dhankude.
Dhankude is of the opinion that, instead of the party symbol, the EVM should have the name of the contestant or his/her photo beside the button instead. He is also writing a book about 100 ill effects of party symbols on the country, society and democracy. “If any Indian gives me even one benefit of party symbols, I will give them a prize of Rs 1 lakh,” said Dhankude.
Dhankude’s symbol is a chappal. The message on his hoarding reads —“Chappal is a weapon of frustrated citizens because of the current state of affairs. Chappal is for voters sick of political drama. Chappal is for traffic and other issues of Pune. Chappal demonstrates unemployment among youth.”
Sachin Dhankude was campaigning on Paud road with two of his supporters. (Express) 
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