In the general election of 1996, the two political parties that shared a common election symbol were the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Karnataka Congress Party. The other options listed are incorrect.

Option 1: Telugu Desam Party and Samajwadi Party did not share a common election symbol in the general election of 1996.

Option 2: Bahujan Samaj Party and Samata Party did not share a common election symbol in the general election of 1996.

Option 4: Communist Party of India and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party did not share a common election symbol in the general election of 1996.

It is important to note that the election symbol is an important identifier for political parties during elections. Each party is given a unique symbol that represents them on the ballot paper. In the case of the general election of 1996, the DMK and Karnataka Congress Party shared a common election symbol, distinguishing them from the other parties.