Two Leaves: Sasikala faction seeks time to submit documents

CHENNAI: Taking the battle for Two Leaves symbol quite seriously, the V. K. Sasikala faction of the AIADMK on Thursday knocked at the door of Election Commission seeking eight weeks time to submit additional documents and affidavits to prove its case that rank and file of the ruling party are with them.

In a petition submitted to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi in New Delhi, the Sasikala camp said it would not be able to submit affidavits before April 17, the deadline set by the poll body, to reinforce their claims on the party symbol that still holds sway over people in Tamil
Nadu.

The petition seeks eight weeks from the Election Commission for submission of necessary documents and affidavits. It was not immediately clear whether the EC would accept or reject the demand made by the Sasikala camp. While freezing the "Two Leaves" symbol on March 22, the EC has asked both factions of the AIADMK to submit documents by April 17 so that full bench hearing on the matter can begin.

The sudden move by the Sasikala camp seeking more time is significant since leaders of the faction have been building their case only on their majority in the Parliamentary and Legislature parties and general council.

But, after the rival camp submitted affidavits with signature from lakhs of party's primary members affirming their support to O Panneerselvam and allotment of the "Two Leaves" symbol to the faction led by him, the Sasikala camp seems to have woken up.