'Shapla Kali' symbol not included under pressure from anyone: EC Secretary

There are some differences between the ‘Shapla’ and ‘Shapla Kali’ symbols. The list of symbols has been revised after various criticisms. Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that it will be revised again if necessary.He said these things to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Election Bhaban on Thursday (November 30) afternoon.Since Shapla is not in the rules, no party can be given the symbol. So, on what basis was the Shapla Kali symbol added to the rules? In response to a question, he said, there was a lot of criticism about our list of symbols. Therefore, 119 symbols have been retained by excluding 16 symbols from the previous list.In response to another question, he said, the EC felt that Shapla Kali can be kept. There is no scope for this to be done in view of anyone's demands. As you know, a party has asked for Shapla. There is a difference between Shapla symbol and Shapla Kali. The Commission felt that it can be done, so it was done. Since some adverse comments have been received, some have been removed and some have been added.Akhtar Ahmed said, "It doesn't matter who wanted it or not, Shapla Koli EC added it because it felt like it. It can change it again in the future if it feels like it."