AIADMK seeks ban on TTV Dhinakaran’s poll campaign

Chennai: The ruling AIADMK has sought the Election Commission to restrain AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran from making personal attacks against Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy CM O. Panneerselvam, during his election campaign in the State.

 Terming the ‘personal attacks’ as violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the AIADMK accused Dhinakaran of criticising the judgments of the Supreme Court and Madras High Court, and this tantamounted to contempt of court.

 “During his campaign in Sulur Assembly constituency on Monday Dhinakaran had made personal attacks against CM and Deputy Chief Minister that violates election rules and procedures set by the EC,” the AIADMK said in a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, here on Tuesday. Dhinakaran, the AIADMK claimed, has also criticised judgments of the apex court and High Court pertaining to Tamil Nadu with a motive to garner votes for his candidate.

 The AMMK general secretary was misleading the public by disseminating false information, the letter alleged and urged the CEO to initiate action against Dhinakaran as per provisions of the model code of conduct and Indian Penal Code. “He has to be banned from election campaigns,” it added.

 Recently, while campaigning in Sulur Assembly constituency, Dhinakaran alleged that Mr. Palaniswami was made chief minister by jailed V. K. Sasikala to honour the Kongu region. “She could have made even me the chief minister. But she chose EPS since he comes from the Kongu region. But he betrayed her as well as the people,” Dhinakaran had said. He had also alleged that both Mr. Palaniswami and his Cabinet colleagues were going against the principles of late CM J. Jayalalithaa. “Rather than the people’s welfare, EPS is keen only about holding on to power,” the AMMK leader said.