NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has allotted the AIADMK's official 'two leaves' symbol to the Panneerselvam-Palaniswami combine, considering its majority in the party's legislative and organisational wings. In an end to an year-long dispute between two warring factions of the party, the Commission said it was of the view that “the petitioners group led by E Madhusudhanan, O Panneerselvam (OPS), and S Semmalai, and also supported presently by the impleading applicant EK Palaniswami (EPS), present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, enjoys support of majority members in the legislative and organisational wings.”
Palaniswami announced the news, leading to celebrations in the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai. “Our side had more supporters and legislators. We did not win because of the BJP; we did so because our arguments were better. We provided sufficient evidence: 90% of the party cadre were with us,” he said.
Former chief minister Jayalalithaa's death had lead to a serious power struggle within the group. The party symbol was frozen by the EC on March 22, disallowing its use in the RK Nagar by-election in Chennai. The step was taken after OPS and VK Sasikala factions staked claims to the symbol. Both factions were asked to furnish affidavits in their support by April 15, only for the dates to be extended to June 16 on request. The by-poll was later cancelled following rampant abuse of money power to influence voters and the symbol remained frozen. The EC later issued fresh notices to the parties to the dispute for resumption of proceedings following a Madras High Court order dated September 15.
By that time, OPS and EPS resolved their differences and arrived at an understanding, only to oust Sasikala and nephew Dhinakaran. The decision was later communicated to the Commission. Meanwhile, Dhinakaran said that his faction would move the Supreme Court against the Election Commission's ruling. He alleged that the EC acted in a partisan manner and according to the Centre's wish while deciding the row over the party symbol.
