AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai on Thursday requested the Election Commission “not to entertain” the dissenting cadres who have staked claim for the AIADMK symbol ''Two Leaves'' and sought fresh election to the general secretary’s post.
The Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker, who met the Election Commission along with a delegation of AIADMK leaders, said that in a democratic system, people were free to raise various issues but not all of them can be considered. He asserted that there was no split in the party,
“There is no split in the party. A democratic system allows people to raise several issues and all those cannot be entertained. We are going to face the RK Nagar by-election in Chennai with cooperation from all party MPs and MLAs,” he said.
On Wednesday, the rival faction of the party, led by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, met the Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and staked claim for the AIADMK symbol ahead of the coming bypoll to the seat, which was represented by former Chief MinisterJayalalithaa.
Mr. Thambidurai said, “We have requested the Election Commission to not entertain issues raised by dissenting groups.”
Mr. Panneerselvam had demanded that the Commission should order fresh election for the AIADMK general secretary’s post, which is currently occupied V. K. Sasikala. He alleged that she was elevated to the position in violation of norms. She is serving the remainder of her prison term after her conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in a disproportionate assets case.
The Pannerselvam camp had said that since Sasikala had not completed five years in the party after her re-induction, her elevation to the post and the appointments and removals made by her were in violation of the party by-laws.
Countering these claims, Mr. Thambidurai said elections to the party’s top post will be held after the tabling of the State budget and the by-election.
“We have already told Chinnamma [Sasikala] was the interim general secretary and elections will be held for the top post after the bypoll,” he said.
Mr. Thambidurai defended Sasikala’s elevation as the general secretary, saying the procedures followed were similar to Jayalalithaa’s elevation in 1989 after the demise of then Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran.
“In 1989, Amma was also interim general secretary. So, Sasikala has the right to make any decision. Those who are opposing her elevation were the ones who signed the documents accepting Sasikala as the general secretary,” he said.
Mr. Thambidurai said the Election Commission too had accepted documents of bypoll expenditure in three constituencies signed by her.
“After Amma passed away, Sasikala signed the poll expenditure documents of bypolls held in Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Thiruparankundram and the EC accepted them,” Mr. Thambidurai said.
