Express News Service
CHENNAI: In the ongoing tug of war between the two factions of the AIADMK on securing the two leaves symbol of the party, the full bench of the Election Commission will hear the arguments of the factions headed by VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam on March 22 at 10.30 am and pass orders ahead of the high-voltage bypoll in RK Nagar Assembly constituency.
There is also the possibility that the order may not go the way of either camp, as the panel could also freeze the symbol for a period of time.
Apart from deciding on the symbol, one other important decision is expected. The Commission had been approached with regard to the appointment of Sasikala as interim general secretary, as the OPS faction argued that the AIADMK’s constitution was not followed in her appointment and that it be declared void. The panel could also give its ruling on the matter.
This decision would be crucial, as it would decide whether the actions taken by Sasikala as interim general secretary of the AIADMK are valid or not.
March 23 is the last date for filing of nominations for the by-election and Form B for the symbol should be submitted by the candidates at least by March 24, the day of scrutiny.
Immediately after the announcement was made, AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, who while visiting RK Nagar constituency, said, “We will present our case before the EC on March 22 and will retain the two leaves symbol.”
Speaking to Express, the AIADMK counsel handling the communication received from the Election Commission, said, “The EC had directed us to file our response with regard to the two leaves symbol by March 20. We have sought time up to March 22.”
On March 10, Sasikala had filed her response regarding the validity of her appointment as interim general secretary of the AIADMK. Representatives from both factions had also met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and reiterated their stand.
Meanwhile, the issue took a new turn on March 16 when the Panneerselvam faction filed a petition seeking allotment of the two leaves symbol to E Madhusudanan, their candidate in RK Nagar. Following this, the EC had directed Sasikala to file her response by March 20 and her lawyer had sought time till March 22. Now, the Commission has asked both factions to appear before the full Bench on March 22, and it is expected that the EC would pass its orders the same day.