Vasan's TMC not to contest on AIADMK's two leaves symbol

Chennai: Indicating that the Tamil Maanila Congress will not contest in the AIADMK’s two leaves symbol , TMC vice-president B S Gnanadesikan on Thursday said the party had approached the election commission seeking early hearing of its fresh petition for the ‘bicycle’ symbol. The AIADMK has offered TMC Thanjavur parliamentary constituency.

After the commission repeatedly rejected its request, the TMC moved the Madras high court and got an order in December last year that directed the commission to re-examine the issue within eight weeks. “On January 31, we submitted our petition to the EC. We expect a hearing in a few days. If we are not able to get the bicycle, we will seek a special symbol from the commission,” Gnanadesikan said. AIADMK’s another ally, Puthiya Tamilagam, will also contest on its independent symbol.

TMC chief G K Vasan said the alliance with the AIADMK had been struck with good intentions and not based on numbers. “The BJP is a constituent of the AIADMK front. The alliance has been decided, reflecting the sentiments of the people and cadres,” he said, adding that there was no difference of opinion on the BJP’s sustained efforts in providing good governance. Vasan also said TN people welcomed the present AIADMK leadership for their accessibility to common man and welfare measures for poor and middle class.

Vasan alleged the DMK-Congress front could not digest the victorious alliance of the AIADMK and did malicious propaganda. “They will not succeed,” he said.