‘Two leaves’ symbol goes to unified AIADMK

The Election Commission on Thursday alloted the AIADMK’s “two leaves” symbol to the Panneerselvam-Palaniswami combine, holding that it enjoyed majority in the party’s legislative and organisational wings.

Putting an end to almost an year-long dispute between warring factions, the Commission said it was of the view that “the petitioners group led by E. Madhusudhanan, O. Panneerselvam and S. Semmalai, and also supported presently by the impleading applicant E.K. Palaniswami, the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, enjoys support of majority members in the legislative and organisational wings.”

Earlier in the day, Mr. Palaniswami announced that their group had received the symbol, which led to celebrations in the AIADMK 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 on the sidelines of a Central government function.

A power struggle broke out within the party soon after the former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, passed away on December 5 last after a prolonged illness.

The Commission froze the symbol on March 22, disallowing its use in the R.K. Nagar by-election in Chennai. The decision came after the ECI heard the O. Panneerselvam and V.K. Sasikala factions, which staked their claim to the party symbol.

The factions were told to furnish affidavits in their support by April 15, but it was extended to June 16 on their request.