Turtle mascot ‘Mohan Babu’ adopted for Cooch Behar election to symbolise cultural significance and encourage voter turnout.
About
The Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), or Ganges softshell turtle is a species of softshell turtle found in South Asia in rivers such as the Ganges, Indus and Mahanadi.
It feeds mostly on fish, amphibians, carrion and other animal matter, but also takes aquatic plants.
This turtle is listed in part II of Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
About Election Mascot
Locals revere black softshell turtles as incarnations of the Hindu deity Vishnu, naming them “Mohan.”
Recognizing the turtle’s significance, the Election Commission adopted “Mohan Babu” as the poll mascot for Cooch Behar.