Sengottaiyan urges ECI to expedite inquiry into ‘Two Leaves’ symbol issue

Gobichettipalayam MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan, who was expelled from the AIADMK last week, has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to expedite the inquiry into the pending issue related to the party’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol.

In his written representation sent via email to the ECI on Monday, Mr. Sengottaiyan stated that the faction of the AIADMK led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami does not represent the original party. He also sought additional time from the Election Commission to present evidence establishing the true status of the organisation.

The ‘Two Leaves’ symbol was frozen by the ECI in 2017 during a leadership dispute and was later re-allotted to the unified faction. However, the symbol remains a point of contention, with the ECI continuing to handle claims and disputes over its use.

The nine-time legislator, who has been advocating the re-induction of expelled leaders, recently met O. Panneerselvam, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala during the Guru Pooja of Muthuramalinga Thevar at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district. Following the meeting, Mr. Palaniswami expelled Mr. Sengottaiyan from the party, alleging that he had brought disrepute to the organisation by associating with expelled leaders.

The following day, Mr. Sengottaiyan described his expulsion as “unjustified” and announced that he would file a case challenging the decision. It may be recalled that he was earlier removed from all party posts after calling for the reinstatement of expelled leaders, a demand rejected by Mr. Palaniswami.