NEW DELHI: Tussle between the Sasikala camp and OPS camp inside the AIADMK refuses to cease as the party leader from the former camp, M Thambidurai approached the Election Commission requesting it not to entertain the dissenting cadres, who have staked claim to AIADMK symbol and sought fresh election to the general secretary's post.
In another development, the DMK on Thursday requested the EC to transfer the Chennai Police Commissioner and the returning officer of the constituency besides introducing VVPAT system.
The AIADMK leader approached the poll panel along with a delegation of AIADMK leaders and asserted that there is no split in the party. “A democratic system allows people to raise several issues and all those cannot be entertained. We are going to face the RK Nagar bypoll with cooperation from all party MPs and MLAs.. We have requested the election commission to not entertain issues raised by dissenting groups," said Thambidurai.
The development came a day after the rival faction led by former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam had approached the EC staking claim to the AIADMK's symbol ahead of the upcoming by-poll to R K Nagar constituency in Chennai, which was represented by J Jayalalithaa.
Panneerselvam had demanded that the EC order fresh election for AIADMK general secretary's post, which was currently occupied V K Sasikala, alleging she was elevated to the position in violation of the norms. She is serving the remainder of her prison term after her conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in a disproportionate assets case.
The OPS camp had also raised that as Sasikala had not completed five years in the party after her re-induction, her elevation and appointments and removals made by her were in violation of the party bylaws.
However, on Thursday, Thambidurai said elections for the party's top post will be held after the tabling of the state budget and the bypoll in R K Nagar. "We have already told Chinnamma (Sasikala) was the interim general secretary and elections will be held for the top post after the bypolls are over," he said.
Thambidurai also defended Sasikala's elevation as the party general secretary saying the procedures followed were similar to Jayalalithaa's elevation in 1989 after the demise of the then Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.
“In 1989, Amma was also interim general secretary. So, Sasikala has the right to make any decision. Those who are opposing her elevation were the ones who signed the documents accepting Sasikala as the general secretary..After Amma passed away, V K Sasikala signed the poll expenditure documents of bypolls held in Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Thiruparankundram and the EC accepted them," Thambidurai said.
“Based on recent incidents in Koovathur, violence in Assembly and violence on Jallikattu issue, it is evident that he is supporting Sasikala with an ambition to become DGP, the position which is vacant," Rajya Sabha MP and DMK leader RS Bharathi who filed the plea before the EC.
Meanwhile, the DMK delegation also requested for transfer of Returning Officer of R K Nagar constituency.
“The same returning officer who was deputed during last assembly elections has been appointed for the bypoll scheduled next month. The RO did not take any steps even when several complaints on malpractises during last elections were submitted….VVPAT system should be introduced on the lines of Goa and Manipur polls to ensure fair elections," Bharathi said