Amma a generic name and need not be objected, says EC

Chennai:

The Election Commission of India on Thursday submitted before the High Court that the generic word ‘Amma’ not accompanied by any pictures of political person need not be objected to on government premises or property as part of the name of the scheme.

The Election Commission submitted before justice T Raja that it has clarified its stand to the chief electoral officer and state principal secretary Praveen Kumar after he sought clarification on whether the word ‘Amma’ needs to be covered up or hidden, wherever it is mentioned on government premises or property as part of the name of the scheme.

The Election Commission also stated that there need be no interference with the gate of MGR memorial as it was constructed in 2012 before model code of conduct came into force. This came after state election commission sought clarification on whether the model of two leaves on the gate structure be covered in line with election commission’s decision on statue of elephants taken during Uttar Pradesh elections.

However, the Election commission ordered that the painting of leaves resembling AIADMK symbol appearing on mini buses plying in Chennai may be suitably covered so that it does not become mobile advertisements for that party. This was objected by advocate general L Somayaji stating that it is not a party symbol.

The Election commission also submitted that it has also directed the state election commission to stop distribution of mixer or grinder as was done in the case of distribution of TV during 2011 elections.

The submissions were made after DMK treasurer MK Stalin moved the Madras High Court with a miscellaneus petition for a direction to the Election Commission of India to cover/screen AIADMK general secretary and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's photos and the party's look alike symbol of Two Leaves on government properties such as small buses and mineral water bottles and premises.

Interestingly, Stalin filed an additional affidavit at the court stating that grievances set out in the representations of October 27 and October 28 have not been considered or action taken positively. “The petitioner prays that the prayer sought for in the writ petition be allowed,” he said. Justice T Raja adjourned the hearing till Monday