The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday barred both the establishment of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and its rival faction from using plough as their election symbols.

Following an extended debate at its head office –involving both the RPP establishment and the newly formed ‘RPP’ led by Home Minister Kamal Thapa– the commission announced the decision this evening, dismissing the claims of both sides over the election symbol.

The EC heard arguments from both sides after the Patan Appellate Court, deciding on a case filed by the RPP establishment under Pashupati Shumsher Rana, shifted the responsibility to decide the legality of the rival parties and as well as the row over the election symbol to it.

The EC, however, did not comment on legality issue concerning the RPP factions.

Talking to reporters immediately after the EC’s decision, RPP chairman Rana said the commission deprived his party of its election symbol despite sufficient legal grounds to support its claim.

“We are disappointed by the commission’s decision. To forbid us from using plough as our election symbol is sheer injustice,” he commented.

Chief Election Commissioner Keshab Rak Rajbhandari said the decision has to do with the EC’s plan to conduct the upcoming municipal elections in a free and fair manner.

Thapa-led RPP had appealed to the EC to recognise it as the authentic RPP and grant plough as the election symbol.

A special convention of the dissident faction had formed the rival RPP electing Home Minister Thapa as its chairman.