Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who has filed his nomination as an independent candidate for the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is not only facing significant political opponents but also four persons who share his name. Because according to Election Commission data, Ochappan Panneerselvam, Oyya Thevar Panneerselvam, Ocha Thevar Panneerselvam and Oyyaram Panneerselvam are among those whose name is similar to that of the former Chief Minister. That means, not just one or two but five Panneerselvams are in the election fray in Tamil Nadu. Isn’t this a shocking thing…
Who are these five Panneerselvams?
Among these five Panneerselvams, Ayyaram Panneerselvam is a resident of Ramanathapuram district, while the other three Panneerselvams are residents of Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. All five are contesting the elections as independent candidates. A day after the expelled AIADMK leader filed his nomination, Char Panneerselvam has filed his nomination on March 26.
Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, originally from Theni district, has listed bucket, jackfruit and grapes as his favorite symbols for allotment by election officials. These icons are available for free. Ocha Thevar Panneerselvam has also chosen exactly the symbols which are of his choice.
Former CM supporters alleged
Supporters of former CM O Panneerselvam have alleged that the simultaneous filing of nominations by four persons with the same name as the former AIADMK coordinator cannot be dismissed as a mere coincidence. Edappadi pointed to the Palaniswami-led AIADMK saying that this could be a deliberate strategy hatched by those whom they consider disloyal.
The 74-year-old former chief minister, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle against his expulsion from the AIADMK, has formed an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Altogether 23 candidates have submitted their nominations in Ramanathapuram. In this, Indian Union Muslim League candidate Kani K, affiliated with the ruling DMK. Navas and P Jayaperumal of main opposition AIADMK.
This is how identification will be done
In the official candidate list, following the standard practice, only the letter ‘O’ will be prefixed to their names. Voters will rely solely on the photographs of the candidates and their individual symbols to differentiate between them. It is a common phenomenon in almost all elections to file nominations of candidates having the same name as the major contestants. Let us tell you that Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu are to be held on 19th April.
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