Neither Sasikala nor Panneerselvam to get AIADMK's two leaves symbol: EC

Both groups shall be allotted different symbols from the list of free symbols notified by the EC

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to freeze All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK's) two leaves symbol. An interim order was passed on Wednesday night by the commission after a day-long hearing.

Two parties are claiming that the symbol should be allotted to them. One led by V K Sasikala, AIADMK's general secretary, and the other led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam.

The EC has ordered that neither of the two groups be permitted to use the two leaves symbol of AIADMK.

The poll body said that both the groups shall be known by such names as they may choose for their respective groups, showing, if they so desire, linkage with their parent party, the AIADMK.

Both the groups shall be allotted different symbols from the list of free symbols notified by the poll body for the purposes of the current bye-election from the Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, which fell vacant after former chief minister and AIADMK supermo J Jayalalithaa died last year

The by-election is slated for April 12, 2017.

The EC has directed both the groups to furnish the names by which they may be recognised by the commission and the symbols which may be allotted to the candidates set up, if any, by the respective groups. 

They may indicate the names of three free symbols, in the order of their preference, anyone of which may be allotted to their candidates by the commission.

Further, the EC has given both the groups a final opportunity to submit all such documents and affidavits on which they propose to rely while making their respective claims latest by April 17, 2017.

T T V Dinakaran, deputy general secretary of AIADMK and the candidate for the Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency, told reporters: "This has not come as a shock. We will get back the symbol."

Responding to the development, in a statement, Panneerselvam said that he was shocked after he heard the EC's decision. Despite giving all documents and necessary evidence to support why the two leaves symbol should be allocated to him, the EC has decided to freeze the symbol, he added.

"We will continue to fight and we will get the symbol and we will come back to power," he said.