With the Election Commission freezing the ‘two leaves’ symbol of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the focus has now shifted to how the warring factions will come to terms with the changed circumstances.
Observing that a deeper examination of the issue was required and that the more than 20,000 pages of evidence would have to be examined, the EC, in its interim order, said any hasty decision during the nomination process for the byelection might lead to an erroneous conclusion.
The EC, which recognised that there was a split in the party, said pending the final settlement of the dispute, neither the OPS nor Sasikala group was permitted to use the name ‘All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.’
Also, they cannot use the party symbol for the bypoll on April 12.
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.
Both the groups shall also be allotted different symbols as they may choose from the list of free symbols notified by the Election Commission for the purpose of the byelection.
