Following the freezing of the AIADMK party election symbol of 'two leaves' by the Election Commission late last night, the two camps at war have wasted little time to come up with new party symbols and names.
While the Sasikala-camp will be called 'AIADMK (AMMA)', former chief minister O. Panneerselvam-led party will be called 'AMMA AIADMK', say media reports.
The reports also say the Sasikala camp will be contesting on the party symbol of auto, among the three options of cricket bat, cap or auto, which it had submitted as options. On the other hand, 'two electric poles' will be the election symbol of AMMA AIADMK, the OPS faction.
The Election Commission had, in an interim order late last night, froze the 'two leaves' poll symbol of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK and also decided that neither of the two factions will use the party's name.
After hearing through the day arguments of contending factions -- one led by General Secretary V.K. Sasikala and another led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam -- the poll panel decided that neither of the two groups will be permitted to use the 'two leaves' symbol and use the name All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The panel said both groups shall be known by such names as they may choose showing, if they so desire, linkage with their parent party -- AIADMK.
Both the groups shall be allotted different symbols from a list of free symbols notified by the EC for the purposes of the current by-election from Radhakrishnan Nagar assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu.
The by-election for the seat is slated for April 12.
(With inputs from agencies)
