ECI seeks clarification from Odisha govt for using ‘conch’ symbol in advertisements

Priya Ranjan Swain Published On : Feb 28, 2024 at 9:49 PM

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought clarification from the Odisha government for using ‘conch’ symbol in its advertisements.

Conch is the poll symbol of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.

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The ECI has sought clarification from the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the general secretary of BJD for the use of conch symbol in government advertisements, sources said.

According to sources, the ECI has noted that the use of conch symbol in advertisements issued by the state government violates its instructions issued on October 7, 2016.

“The ECI is of the view that utilizing public funds/ public places for promoting any political party or propagating its election symbol would be antithetical to the concept of free and fair election and the principle of a level playing field for all stakeholders,” read the instructions.