AIADMK CRISIS

Who will get 'two leaves'? EC decision likely today

panneerselvam-sasikala-pti9217 O.Panneerselvam and V.K.Sasikala

Leaders from OPS and Sasikala camps to meet the poll panel

With both the warring factions of the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu staking claims for the party's 'two leaves' symbol, the Election Commission is likely to take a final decision on Wednesday. The ruling will have far-reaching impact on both O. Panneerselvam and Sasikala Natarajan in Tamil Nadu politics.

Panneerselvam had launched a rebellion against the party chief after the latter was elected legislative party leader, paving pay for her elevation as the chief minister. Sasikala, however, could not take charge of the government as the Supreme Court quashed her acquittal in a disproportionate assets case and sent her to jail.

Reports said leaders from both OPS and Sasikala camps would meet the poll panel on Wednesday to represent their claims.

The Election Commission's expected ruling assumes significance also because it comes days ahead of the by-polls to RK Nagar constituency which has been lying vacant after the death of former chief minister J.Jayalalithaa. The constituency goes to polls on April 12 and the results will be announced on April 17.

The poll body is also likely decide on the validity of Sasikala’s election as party’s interim general secretary in December last.

Sasikala, co-accused Elvarasi and another nephew V.N. Sudhakaran are serving their terms at the central prison near Bengaluru in the assets case. 

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