Election Commission Rejects AIADMK’s Request for Time Limit on Representations

Quick Summary:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) filed a counter affidavit opposing AIADMK’s plea to set a time limit for ECI decisions on multiple representations by expelled party members.
• Representations initially began in February 2024, seeking action on issues including freezing the ‘two leaves’ election symbol.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that no fixed timeline is necessary due to the constitutional workload and upcoming Bihar Assembly elections but assured expeditious handling as per High Court orders.
• The case involves 10 individuals, including expelled AIADMK members like P. Ravindranath (son of former CM O. Panneerselvam),Va. Pugazhendi, M.G. Ramachandiran, among others, who submitted various representations and judicial references between December 2024 and July 2025.
• Personal hearings for those involved took place between december 23-24, April 28, and subsequent submissions were made afterward till July 3.
• ECI is now conducting preliminary hearings to determine if rival factions exist under paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols Order (1968).

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The dispute over the ‘two leaves’ symbol underscores internal factionalism within AIADMK that now demands judicial intervention and oversight from ECI as a constitutional body regulating electoral processes in India.The Commission’s stance reflects the prioritization of procedural rigor over expediency, especially with it’s broader obligations such as upcoming elections nationwide.

While concerns from expelled members are valid for prompt resolution given their political stakes, establishing clarity requires careful consideration of conflicting claims backed by legal precedents referenced in this matter. Balancing complex party dynamics without compromising democratic impartiality remains critical here-this could serve as a decision-making precedent about symbols linked heavily to specific parties’ core identities.

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