CHENNAI: In the ongoing fight between the two factions of the AIADMK on securing the ‘two-leaves’ symbol, the Election Commission bench is all set to hear the arguments of the factions headed by VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam today.
EC will pass orders ahead of the bypoll to RK Nagar Assembly constituency. March 23 is the last date for filing of nominations for the by-election and the Form B for symbol should be submitted by by March 24.
The Commission may also give its ruling on Sasikala's appointment as the AIADMK interim general secretary who is currently serving jail term in Bengaluru in disproportionate assets case.
Immediately after the announcement was made, AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran said, “we will present our case before the EC on March 22 and will retain the Two Leaves symbol.”
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 thereafter met with Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi to reiterate their stand.
The issue, however, took a new turn on March 16 when the OPS faction filed a plea seeking allotment of Two-Leaves symbol for E Madhusudanan, their candidate.
Following this, the EC directed Sasikala to file her response by March 20 and her lawyer had sought time till March 22.
The Commission has asked both factions to appear before the full Bench on March 22 and the EC might be passing its orders the same day. The panel may also freeze the symbol for some time if it does not reach a conclusion.
As ‘two-leaves’ symbol holds the key to victory, both factions are leaving no stone unturned.