EC asks both AIADMK factions to remove 'two leaves' symbol from official websites

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Friday directed both factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to remove the 'two leaves' symbol from all its official websites and social media and submit the compliance report by April 8. The Election Commission in its statement said that they have received a number of complaints from the R.K. Nagar Assembly constituency that V.K. Sasikala faction has used posters and uploaded social media messages showing the party's symbol electric pole superimposed on symbol "two leaves".

"Both the aforesaid parties were issued show cause notices for the said act which violates the Model Code of Conduct, comes within the ambit of corrupt practice as defined under Sec. 123(4) of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and also violates Sec. 171(G) of the Indian Penal Code," the letter stated.

Earlier on April 3, the Election Commission asked the Sasikala faction of the AIADMK to stop using the 'two leaves' symbol on its website and social media accounts.

The ECI also sought a reply from the faction by April 6.

The poll panel asserted that it has found the AIADMK faction of Sasikala is still using the original election symbol of the AIADMK which amounted to publication of 'false information' and is an election offence under section 171 (G) of the Indian Penal Code ( IPC).

Rival AIADMK factions were allotted new symbols and names after the poll panel barred them from using the undivided party's election symbol for the R. K. Nagar Assembly by-polls on April 9.

While Sasikala camp is contesting on the 'hat' symbol, the O. Panneerselvam camp is using the 'electric pole' symbol.