EC gives ‘two leaves’ to TN ruling faction
ELECTION COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT IS A MAJOR SETBACK FOR SASIKALA GROUP
In a severe blow to the AIADMK faction led by the now jailed V.K. Sasikala and her nephew T.T.V. Dinakaran, the Election Commission yesterday allotted the hugely popular “two leaves” symbol to the faction led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
The announcement was greeted with joy by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam while their supporters burst crackers and distributed sweets.
“The Commission is of the considered opinion that the petitioners group led by E. Madhusudhanan, O. Panneerselvam and S. Semmalai and also supported presently by the impleading applicant K. Palaniswami enjoys support of majority of members, both in the organisational and legislature wings of the AIADMK.
“The group led by Madhusudhanan and others is hereby recognised as the AIADMK, which is a recognised state party in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, for whom the symbol ‘two leaves’ is reserved,” the Commission said in an 83-page order on the dispute in the party that arose after the death of then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
It said the group led by Madhusudhanan would be entitled to use the name of the party and ‘two leaves’. The group led by Madhusudhanan was recognised in terms of para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as the AIADMK, it said.
“We have got the symbol ... We will decide on the candidate for R.K. Nagar constituency after discussing with party leaders,” a visibly pleased Palaniswami said. The by-election, caused by Jayalalitha’s death, has to be held by December 31.
“The Election Commission has given a just decision. We are happy and the party’s 1.5 crore members will be happy,” he said.
But Dinakaran said the Election Commission’s order would be challenged in court, alleging the poll body had not acted in a neutral manner.
We have got the symbol. The Election Commission has given a just decision. We will decide on the candidate for R.K. Nagar constituency after discussions.” K. Palaniswami | Chief Minister