TURHA
1. Context
The Election Commission has allotted a new party symbol, ‘man blowing turha’, to the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar. This decision comes days after the commission recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the real NCP. The new symbol has been accepted as the official symbol of the party.
2.What is the turha?
Turha is a word used to describe people who claim to be part of the Tomar Rajput community. The Tomar Rajput community claims to have originated from Rajasthan about 500 years ago. After suffering a defeat, the Tomar people began selling vegetables to hide their Rajput identity. Over time, the Tomar people became corrupted into Turha
Today, the instrument is often used at weddings or other happy occasions, and at political rallies in Maharashtra. The turha was blown as a rallying call at the farmers’ protest of 2020-21. The blowing of the turha is often accompanied by the playing of percussion instruments such as the dhol. In Pune, the annual Ganeshotsav celebration is incomplete without the sonorous call of the turha interspersed with dhol-tasha beats
3.What is its historical significance?
- In a bygone era, the ceremonial use of the turha marked the arrival of kings, nobility, and other esteemed dignitaries. In the Maharashtra region, the turha held significance in the court of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Swar Classical, an organization specializing in software for Indian classical music, notes that the tutari served as a salute during the Adilshahi kings' reign in Bijapur (1490-1686). The turha's resonant sound initiated preparations for important journeys, tasks, and battles. Additionally, it signaled the commencement and conclusion of combat.
- According to Swar Classical's website, tutari musicians sought refuge in temples during colonial rule to evade the British, intertwining the music with religious traditions.
- In contemporary times, the turha finds application in celebratory events like weddings and political rallies in Maharashtra.
- It played a prominent role as a rallying call during the farmers' protest of 2020-21. The turha's melodic notes are often complemented by the rhythmic beats of percussion instruments like the dhol.
- In Pune, the annual Ganeshotsav celebration remains incomplete without the vibrant sounds of the turha, accompanied by the lively cadence of dhol-tasha beats
4.How election symbols are allotted?
In India, the allotment of election symbols is overseen by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The process is regulated by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Here is a general overview of how election symbols are allotted in India:
- Before a political party can be allotted a symbol, it needs to be officially recognized by the Election Commission. Recognition is based on certain criteria, including the party's performance in elections and its adherence to the guidelines set by the ECI
- Recognized political parties, as well as independent candidates, are required to apply to the Election Commission for the allotment of a symbol.
- The application typically includes the party's or candidate's preferences for symbols.
- The Election Commission considers various factors when allotting symbols, including the party's past performance, its representation in existing legislative bodies, and other relevant criteria.
- The commission aims to ensure a fair and level playing field for all political parties and candidates
- To prevent confusion among voters, the ECI takes care to avoid allocating similar symbols to different parties or candidates in the same constituency
- Some symbols are reserved for national and state-level parties, and other symbols are available for regional or unrecognized parties. Independent candidates may also have specific symbols allotted to them
- Once the Election Commission makes a decision on symbol allotment, it notifies the political parties and candidates about the symbols assigned to them
- Political parties and candidates have the option to appeal the decision of the Election Commission or seek a review if they are dissatisfied with the allotted symbol
5.Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, is a legal order in India that provides the framework for the reservation and allotment of symbols to political parties and independent candidates during elections. The order was issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the powers conferred by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Key provisions and aspects of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, include:
- The order sets out the criteria for the recognition of political parties by the Election Commission. Recognition is based on factors such as the party's performance in elections and its adherence to the guidelines laid down by the ECI
- The order provides for the reservation of certain symbols for national and state-level political parties. Reserved symbols are not available for use by other parties or candidates
- The criteria for the allotment of symbols are outlined in the order. The Election Commission considers factors such as the party's or candidate's past performance, representation in legislative bodies, and other relevant considerations
- The order emphasizes the need to avoid confusion among voters by ensuring that similar symbols are not allotted to different parties or candidates in the same constituency
- The order outlines the process for allotting symbols to independent candidates who are not affiliated with any political party
- The Election Commission notifies political parties and candidates about the symbols allotted to them. This notification is an important part of the electoral process
- The order allows political parties and candidates to appeal the decision of the Election Commission regarding symbol allotment. They may also seek a review if they are dissatisfied with the allotted symbol
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
For Mains:General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
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Source: Indianexpress
