OPS welcomes MHC's order allowing ECI probe in AIADMK disputes
"The Madras High Court has reaffirmed this by vacating the stay against the ECI’s proceedings regarding the AIADMK’s internal matters," a visibly happy Panneerselvam told journalists outside his residence in Theni.
O Panneerselvam
CHENNAI: Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam welcomed the Madras High Court's order vacating the stay on the Election Commission of India's (ECI) proceedings concerning the party's internal affairs.
He expressed confidence that truth would ultimately prevail over falsehood.
V Pugazhendhi, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that they would take the fight to Delhi to freeze the 'Two-leaves’ symbol' that is with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami Palaniswami.
Several court rulings have established that the ECI has the authority to intervene in the affairs of political parties, as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
“The Madras High Court has reaffirmed this by vacating the stay against the ECI's proceedings regarding the AIADMK's internal matters,” a visibly happy Panneerselvam told journalists after emerging from his residence in Theni, following the Court's order.
Panneerselvam's son and former Theni MP, P Ravindranath, along with former MPs C Palaniswamy, V Pugazhendi, and Ramkkumar Adityan, had approached the ECI, challenging the amendments to AIADMK's by-laws and the appointment of Edappadi K Palaniswami as the party's General Secretary in July 2022. They were expelled from the party for opposing EPS and his supporters, accusing them of taking control of the party and expelling dissenting members. "This is a victory in our long-standing legal battle. We will continue our fight before the ECI to free the party and its symbol from Palaniswami's control, " said Pugazhendi, one of the plaintiffs in the case.
He questioned why Palaniswami was "scared" to face the case before the ECI. "Our intention is not to freeze the 'Two Leaves' symbol, which was founded by our leader MG Ramachandran. However, we have no choice but to explore legal options to freeze the symbol currently held by the 'evil force' Palaniswami," he said.
Hours after the HC order, O Panneerselvam invited the members of ADMK Thondargal Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu for a meeting on Feb 17 in Chennai.
Panruti S Ramachandran will proceed over the meeting.
