AIADMK interim GS row: Election commission seeks explanation

EC has issued notice to Sasikala on her election of General Secretary of AIADMK by 28 February 2017.

The Election Commission of India on Friday sought an explanation from Sasikala Natarajan over her appointment as AIADMK's interim General secretary. The EC has sought a reply by February 28. In its notice, the election commission has stated tat if no reply is received before the said date, it would be assumed that Sasikala has no comments to make in the regard and action as deemed fit by the commission may be initiated.

A petition was filed by 11 AIADMK MPs questioning the validity of Sasikala's appointment as the party's General Secretary. Previously, the party's expelled MP, Sasikala Pushpa had also filed a complaint with the election commission questioning Sasikala Natarajan's appointment. The O Panneerselvam faction led by MP Maitreyan claimed that the party bylaws mandated that to become general secretary a candidate should have been a member for five consecutive years but Sasikala did not qualify for the post.

The petition also pointed to Rule 20 (2) of the party bylaw that states that the general secretary shall be elected by the primary members of the party units of Tamil Nadu, and members of other states and Union territories like Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.

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