No common symbol for AMMK candidates 

State Election Commissioner R Palaniswamy conducted a video conferencing with district collectors where polls are due and instructed that the logistical arrangements for polling completed by Wednesday. Security arrangements, issuance of duty pass and government orders for poll duty, distribution of booth slips and setting up of control rooms to handle election works were discussed.

“Grama panchayat ward member polls will be based on independent symbols without any political party affiliation. Only in case of towns and urban areas political party symbols will be printed in the ballot papers. The printing of ballot papers has commenced, and the polling booth is almost ready,” said an informed government official on poll duty.

Meanwhile, the AMMK, led by TTV Dhinakaran which is contesting as a registered, but non-recognised party will get independent symbols for its candidates. The poll officials will complete the ballot paper printing works by Wednesday.

“Despite our repeated appeals the State Election Commission has refused to give a common symbol and hardly there is any time for us to reach the judiciary,” AMMK senior leader P Vettrivel told DT Next. There has been a precedent in the past where the Election Commission of India has given a common symbol for AMMK, this is a political ploy by the TNSEC,” charged Vettrivel.

AMMK is a party that fights for the cause of public welfare and our candidates are approaching the polls positively. All the AMMK candidates will contest in the independent symbols and will mostly select a symbol of their choice. Already several AMMK candidates who enjoy public support have won unopposed and we are confident of winning several posts in the upcoming civic polls, Vettrivel added.