Poll symbol confusion: In relief to NCP (SP), free poll symbol to be called ‘trumpet’ in Marathi, not ‘tutari’

In its order on Thursday, the state Chief Electoral Office stated that the Election Commission recognised the NCP (SP) as a state-level party on March 26 while allocating the symbol ‘Man blowing turha’ to the party and mentioned its Marathi translation as ‘Tutari vajavnara manus’.

Poll symbol confusion, Maharashtra Assemblu Election, NCP (SP), free poll symbol, Marathi, tutari, supriya sule, Indian express news

Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam (File Photo)

In some relief to the NCP (SP) ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the state Chief Electoral Officer has decided to call the ‘Trumpet’, which is in the list of free poll symbols, as ‘Trumpet’ in Marathi as well instead of ‘Tutari’, which was creating confusion with the poll symbol of the Sharad Pawar-led party.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier this year allocated the poll symbol ‘Man blowing turha’ to the NCP (SP), which, translated in Marathi, is called ‘Tutari vajavnara manus’. However, the list of free symbols also has the ‘Trumpet’, called ‘Tutari’ in Marathi, which was used by an Independent candidate during the Lok Sabha polls. The NCP (SP) had claimed that as both the symbols — the one allotted to the party and the free symbol — were called ‘Tutari’ in Marathi, it created confusion among voters during the Lok Sabha polls because of which it lost votes. The party had then approached the state election office, urging it to drop the symbol ‘Trumpet’ from the free list of symbols.

“We had demanded that the ‘Trumpet’, which was creating confusion among voters, should be removed from the list of free symbols. We came to know that the name of ‘Trumpet’ in Marathi has been changed. It will be called ‘Trumpet’ in Marathi as well instead of ‘Tutari’. It is better to have something rather than not have anything. I thank the election office for the decision. It was necessary as we proved with data the setback our party suffered in the Lok Sabha elections due to the confusion arising from the phonetic overlap of both symbols,” NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule said.

In its order on Thursday, the state Chief Electoral Office stated that the Election Commission recognised the NCP (SP) as a state-level party on March 26 while allocating the symbol ‘Man blowing turha’ to the party and mentioned its Marathi translation as ‘Tutari vajavnara manus’.

The symbol ‘Trumpet’ in the list of free symbols was also translated in Marathi as ‘Turari’. “The Marathi translation of both symbols have phonetic overlap and is creating confusion during the election campaign. The NCP (SP) had requested not to pronounce the free symbol as ‘Tutari’. There are multiple words for translation of ‘Trumpet’ but again it would create confusion so it has been decided to name the symbol as ‘Trumpet’ in Marathi as well,” said M R Parker, secretary to the Chief Electoral Officer, in the order to all district election offices and returning officers of Assembly constituencies.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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