Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Saturday expressed confidence that his faction would secure the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol of the AIADMK.
Speaking to mediapersons in Periyakulam, he said he was confident that voters in R.K. Nagar would support his group, and that Jayalalithaa’s welfare schemes would help them win the byelection.
Takes aim at Sasikala
He accused jailed party leader V.K. Sasikala and her family members of violating party rules and guidelines. “T.T.V. Dinakaran cannot contest in the R.K. Nagar byelection as his nomination as the party’s deputy general secretary itself is invalid and illegal,” he said.
Mr. Dinakaran was sacked from the party in 2011. As per the party’s rules, those sacked from the party are not eligible to contest in any elections for five years after their reinstatement.
“We have already explained our stand to the Election Commission. The decision of the EC will be favourable to us,” Mr. Panneerselvam hoped.
The Budget was disappointing as it contained no measures to bring in more revenue, without which welfare schemes cannot be implemented, he said.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Panneerselvam took part in a special puja at the Sri Kailasanathar temple.
