Jaya challenges EC order to conceal painting of leaves on minibuses

Chennai:

High Court will hear a petition filed by AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa challenging the Election Commission order to conceal the painting of leaves appearing on mini buses plying in Chennai on Monday.

Jayalalithaa in her affidavit said that the order issued by Election Commission proceeds on total misconception that the painting of the symbol on the mini buses resembles the party symbol of AIADMK. “It is based on assumptions and presumptions and is not supported by the facts of the case,” she submitted.

Quoting Election Commission order, she said EC order has directed no interference with regard to gate of MGR memorial, which was constructed before the coming into force of model code of conduct.

Hence the same reason would apply to the paintings on the mini buses since the buses have been plying on the road much before the coming into force of model code of conduct. “In fact, the design of four green leaves was painted on the buses much before the date of election notification to contemplate that the buses were eco-friendly and to create awareness regarding environment and green revolution,” she stated.

Citing out differences between the party symbol and the design on the small bus, Jayalalithaa said the order passed by Election Commission deserves to be set aside.

Hitting out at the Election Commission, she said the order casts aspersions on AIADMK as it proceeded on the false assumption that her party abused its position and printed the party symbol on mini buses with a view to get political mileage in the ensuing elections.

“If such reasoning is extended to logical limits than the usage of different political party symbols like the hand, cycle, lantern etc should be prohibited from being used. It would be open to Election Commission to say that the rising sun should be covered, the trees having green leaves should be cut, cycles should not be used or be visible and that all hands should be covered because it would amount to advertisement for respective political parties,” she said.

Jayalalithaa said the direction has caused irreparable injury and materially affected the electoral prospects of AIADMK in as much as it suggests that AIADMK has abused its official position to gain political mileage. “Unless the direction of the impugned order pertaining to the design on the buses is stayed, the injury and hardship to her party would continue” she stated.  

She urged the High Court to issue a writ in the nature of Certiorari or any other writ, direction or order calling for the records of the impugned order and quash the same as far as direction pertaining to the concealment of leaves is concerned and pass such further orders as the court may deem fit and proper.