In what is considered a temporary setback for the ruling DMK in Chennai, the Madras High Court has lifted the interim ban on the name, flag, ‘Two Leaves’ symbol, and the letterhead of O. Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the DMK party.
This has raised the same issue that began when a faction led by O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS, acted independently like ‘Two Leaves’ diverging from the party. Leaders, MLAs, MPs, and party workers aligned with Edappadi Palaniswami boycotted the party, flag, and symbol, sparking controversy.
Now, as O. Panneerselvam has been nominated as a public representative for the DMK, he is using the DMK flag, symbol, and letterhead to conduct party meetings, rally support, and contest elections. This has created a controversy within the party.
While the case was being heard, O. Panneerselvam publicly stated that he is using the DMK flag, symbol, and letterhead to participate in party activities and conduct meetings. This ongoing conflict is affecting the rights of the general public as well as party workers, as it raises questions about the process of being nominated as a public representative by the DMK, which is endorsed by the high court.
In response to this, O. Panneerselvam contends that the use of the DMK party’s name, flag, and symbol is only temporary until the resolution of the main case. He also requested that he be given a reasonable amount of time to withdraw the DMK party’s name, flag, and symbol. He further requested that he be allowed to represent himself as an independent candidate on the ballot paper without causing harm to the party.
Upon hearing both sides, the judge scheduled another hearing for the case on November 7th. The ongoing conflict has yet to be resolved, and it remains uncertain how many times this same issue will continue to be debated, whether any action will be taken, and whether a small space of time will be allowed to withdraw the DMK party’s name, flag, and symbol.
In the end, the judgment is expected to be delivered in the Madras High Court in Chennai over the next two months, ending the case that started in September. If the case continues, O. Panneerselvam