NCP Submits New Application to EC for ‘Shapla’ Symbol amid Tensions
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has been engaged in a four-month and nine-day long dispute with the Election Commission (EC) over the ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) electoral symbol. Although the EC recently added ‘Shapla Koli’ (Water Lily Bud) to its symbol list, the NCP has submitted a new application requesting the allocation of one of three symbols.
On Sunday (November 2nd), a delegation led by the party’s Chief Coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, visited the Election Building in Agargaon to apply for one of the following symbols:
• Shapla (Water Lily)
• Shada Shapla (White Water Lily)
• Shapla Koli (Water Lily Bud)
Nasiruddin Patwari confirmed that the NCP had sent a letter to the EC requesting these symbols and stated that the NCP would accept the ‘Shapla Koli’ if allocated.
He also mentioned that the party’s grassroots level has taken the ‘Koli’ (Bud) positively.
Stance on Alliance and Referendum
Regarding forming an alliance for the upcoming election, Nasiruddin Patwari set a condition:
He said: “If the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami can move away from the politics of terrorism, extortion, corruption, and godfathers, then we will consider joining the alliance.”
The NCP leader also demanded that the referendum be held fairly, regardless of whether it takes place on the election day or beforehand.
