TTV Dinakaran seeks more time from Election Commission

Dinakaran, in a brief interaction with the media on Saturday, informed that he had sought more time to submit nearly 20 lakh documents in support of his faction’s claim for the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol which was frozen by the Election Commission prior to the recently cancelled by-election to the RK Nagar Assembly segment in Chennai. 

He said he was hopeful of the EC granting the additional time he had sought. He also reiterated his earlier stand that his party would take back all those who repented and returned.

It may be recalled that the Election Commission had to freeze the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol with both the AIADMK (A) and AIADMK (PTA) laying claim to it on the grounds that they were the original party. AIADMK (PTA) had also complained to the EC that Sasikala’s nomination as General Secretary was not valid as it was contrary to the party rules. Under such circumstances the EC had sought documentary evidences from the AIADMK (A) which led to Dinakaran now seeking additional time to submit them. 

Replying to Dinakaran’s statement, C Ponnaiyan, O Panneerselvam group’s spokesperson, said, “Additional time is being sought to ensure that necessary documents are fabricated and submitted to the Election Commission.” 

He added AIADMK (A) has been spending huge sums of money to ensure that they have the required support among the party men. 

“Even those, who burnt the effigies of Sasikala, were given money and affidavits in support of their group were being obtained from them,” Ponnaiyan charged. When asked, whether AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) would move the Election Commission against Dinakaran’s moves, Ponnaiyan said, “We plan to meet and discuss the issue before deciding on the further course of action.” 

Commenting on the appeals to unite the two factions, he said, “It is only Dinakaran, who has been talking of such a possibility. We have not considered it at all.”