Chennai

The Election Commission stated that the PMK had filed the application for allotment of symbol only on November 3, whereas the deadline for receiving such applications ended on October 29 itself. 

PMK founder S Ramadoss in a statement said that the party is boycotting the Tiruparankundram by-poll to protest the EC’s double standards. He added “We had applied to the EC to allot the ‘mango’ symbol in all  the three constituencies, the EC has accepted the applications in Thanjavur and Aravakurichi but denied the same for Tiruparankundram.” He further asked when the election rules are the same for all the constituencies, how come Tiruparankundram has been singled out for non-allocation of the registered symbol. 

The Election Commission in its response to the party’s plea said that PMK is only a registered party and not recognised party in the state. 

All registered parties have to apply within three days of poll notification to get the symbol of their choice allotted. In the case of Tiruparankundram seat the Commission has not accepted the plea for allotment of ‘mango’ symbol as the same is time-barred. The application in this case has been made on November 3, 2016, after the expiry of the stipulated time-period prescribed as per the provisions of Para 10 of Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) order 1968. PMK leader added “The EC’s act is not above suspicion.” 

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