'Symbol' gives sleepless nights to candidates

"Will my supporters choose the correct button?" This question would perhaps have given many candidates a sleepless night. It's a genuine fear as there have been many reports that confusion prevailed among voters with regard to the symbol among supporters of many parties in the previous phases of the polling in areas including Vidarbha and Marathwada regions in Maharashtra.

Many BJP supporters in constituencies that have already gone poll were reportedly miffed when they didn't find 'Modi Sarkaar' button on the EVMs. "When they couldn't locate the "Modi Sarkaar button", they pressed any one of the buttons and came out," said a Bangalore-based BJP member, laughing out aloud.

A senior party functionary said: "The slogan "Abki baar Modi Sarkaar" struck a chord with the people. Hence, many voters, mainly from rural areas and urban slums, didn't know who the BJP candidate was, but knew Modi well. But unfortunately, he is contesting only from two seats."

The issue went viral on social media last week forcing BJP to issue fresh advertisements emphasizing on pressing "Lotus" button.

Aam Admi Party supporters, on the other hand, have been telling people on social media not to get confused as there were many symbols like radish, carrot, floor mop, battery torch on the EVM that looked similar to their symbol, the broom.

Many independents and candidates of small parties with limited resources are also worried as they were not able to popularise their symbols across the lakhs of voters.