Fresh momentum in ‘Two Leaves’ case hearing

The hearing in the crucial case, which will decide the fate of the popular symbol, has picked up pace after lengthy arguments by Dhinakaran’s side for seven days. Though the Supreme Court had fixed April-end for the completion of the case, it has prolonged into May since the arguments were not completed. 

Dhinakaran’s arguments focused on allegations of forged documents submitted by AIADMK leaders. He had contended that the allocation of the symbol by the Election Commission was based on the fake documents. 

The nomination of coordinator and joint coordinator of the AIADMK also came into dispute as Dhinakaran’s side contended that the party constitution does not provide for such posts and the party should be led only by a general secretary. Two sets of documents were submitted before the Election Commission to claim the support of general council members. 

One pertained to VK Sasikala’s nomination as the AIADMK general secretary in a general council meeting. The second set of documents was handed over to the commission after the merger of the factions led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. 

If the validity of the first set of documents in support of Sasikala’s nomination is upheld, she would return as the party head and Dhinakaran would be her deputy. 

If the second set of signatures of general council members is declared valid, Madhusudhanan and Panneerselvam would take over the party’s reins. 

There is also the third option of the court asking the Election Commission to examine the case again to validate the support of the general council members and such a verdict would freeze the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol and the AIADMK’s name.