PRP poll symbol: AP HC sets aside EC order

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday set aside an order of the Election Commission that refused to grant a uniform election symbol to Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party and directed the poll panel to consider the matter afresh.

The court further directed that the principles, which were adopted while granting a common election symbol to Telangana Rashtra Samithi may have to be kept in mind while taking a decision on the plea of Praja Rajyam for a common poll symbol.

The exercise is required to be completed within three weeks. The petition was filed by Praja Rajyam's general secretary and Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law Allu Aravind.

The Election Commission reportedly told PRP recently that only recognised political parties were eligible for a permanent election symbol while 'registered' parties will have to choose from the 'free symbols' available.