In a democratic assertion of rights, former Minister and AIADMK MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan affirmed that anyone has the right to contest in elections, including as an independent candidate. Sengottaiyan’s remarks came in response to questions regarding former Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam filing his nomination to contest as an independent in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.Addressing media persons in Erode, Sengottaiyan reiterated the fundamental principle of democracy, emphasizing that every individual possesses the right to participate in the electoral process. He underscored that while the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol is exclusively reserved for the faction led by former Chief Minister and party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, individuals have the autonomy to contest under other symbols, including as independents.
Asserting the party’s position on the matter, Sengottaiyan emphasized that there is no ambiguity regarding the allocation of the ‘two leaves’ symbol, affirming its association solely with the faction led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Despite Panneerselvam’s decision to contest independently, Sengottaiyan maintained that the party remains focused on its electoral campaign and the victory of its official candidate, Ashok Kumar.
Highlighting the commencement of the party’s campaign activities, Sengottaiyan informed that the AIADMK initiated its campaign for candidate Ashok Kumar on March 25, with plans for an intensified campaign beginning on March 28. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Sengottaiyan projected a resounding victory margin for the AIADMK in the forthcoming elections.