Chennai: The wailing of discontent by Rajya Sabha member Dr V. Maitreyan was drowned by the bursting of crackers in the AIADMK headquarters here as followers of both the CM and deputy CM joined hands in celebrating the EC award of two leaves symbol to them.
Seeking to counter the persistent rumours and media reports, which found their zenith in OPS camper Maitreyan’s latest FB post suggesting discontent in his camp owing to neglect by the CM, Palaniswami shared cozy space with the deputy CM at the party office to address the media on how the EC verdict has redeemed the pride and prime position for the party founded by MGR and nurtured by Amma Jayalalithaa.
“It is a fair verdict by the EC. We submitted affidavits to prove that majority of cadre are with us. Based on this, the EC has delivered a fair decision,” Palaniswami declared on Twitter, while Panneerselvam posted the operative part of the order that allotted the name and symbol to their camp on his official Twitter page.
The duo also paid respects at the memorials of Jayalalithaa, MGR and C.N. Annadurai and dedicated the order to them. Though there was a gap of three hours between the time, the “news broke” on TV channels and the “official order” by the EC, nothing stopped the AIADMK cadre from thronging the party office on the Avvai Shanmugam Salai and celebrating the “historic decision” by distributing sweets and crackers.
“We dedicate the victory to Amma and we thank the cadre and office bearers of the AIADMK for their support and wishes,” a joint statement signed by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam said.
“The EC ruling has come as a body blow to some persons who thought of breaking the party and topple the government. Party cadres and people are happy about the outcome. This has showed that only dharma will win,” Palaniswami said, dismissing suggestions that the Union Government was behind the EC order.
On his part, Panneerselvam said people and cadre will not accept those who were bent on toppling the government ushered in by Amma and the order has once again proved that her truthful loyalists (represent) are the true AIADMK. He also said all the office-bearers appointed by late J. Jayalalithaa would continue.
‘Will move court on Jaya TV using symbol’
AIADMK Presidium chairman E. Madhusudhanan on Thursday threatened of legal action against Jaya TV and Namadhu MGR if they continue to “use” the Two Leaves symbol in their logos. “They should immediately stop using Two Leaves symbol from their logo since the symbol has been allotted to us. How can they use the symbol even after the ruling? I don’t understand who gave them permission to use the name of Amma and the symbol that was first chosen by Thalaivar (MGR),” Madhusudhanan said.
