For state NCP, symbol is worry

Party leaders here worry that the EC may freeze the symbol which they have popularised during the past four years. The rebel faction of NCP has staked claim on the party8217;s name and symbol.

8216;8216;If the EC gives us another symbol, it will be difficult to popularise it in a short span of time,8217;8217; said a functionary. Many NCP leaders recall how their new symbol had affected the party8217;s chances of victory in several rural constituencies during 1999 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. 8216;8216;We lost some seats just because voters did not recognise our symbol,8217;8217; said a state general secretary.

However, state president R.R. Patil ruled out the possibility of the party losing the election symbol. 8216;8216;The question does not arise since 90 per cent of the state NCP units and an equal number of national executive members are with Pawar,8217;8217; he said.