Madras High Court Clears Path for DMK Allies to Use 'Rising Sun' Symbol in Assembly Elections
In a significant development for Tamil Nadu politics, the Madras High Court has declined to grant an interim stay against the Election Commission of India's order derecognizing certain political parties. This decision paves the way for allies, including the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), to contest the forthcoming assembly election on the DMK's iconic 'rising sun' symbol, according to sources close to the matter.
Potential Boost for DMK's Majority Ambitions
This move could substantially benefit the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is aiming to form a government with a simple majority in the state. The party faces ongoing demands for power sharing from its long-time allies, and the ability to contest under a unified symbol may streamline its electoral strategy. A senior DMK leader confirmed, "The allies, who earlier contested on DMK's symbol, will be urged to do so again," highlighting the strategic importance of this alignment.
Background: EC's Derecognition of Unrecognized Parties
The Election Commission of India delisted 42 unrecognized parties in September last year for failing to participate in elections for six consecutive years. This list included MMK and the Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam (KMDK). Historically, these parties have contested and won three constituencies—Papanasam, Manapparai, and Tiruchengodu—using the 'rising sun' symbol. Notably, T Velmurugan's Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi secured the Panruti seat on this symbol after an unsuccessful attempt with a free symbol in 15 seats during the 2016 elections.
Legal Framework and Past Electoral Performance
Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a registered but unrecognized political party must field candidates in at least 5% of assembly constituencies, with a minimum of three constituencies in states with 40 or fewer seats, to be allotted a common symbol. In the 2021 elections, DMK contested in 173 seats, with seven allies utilizing the 'rising sun' symbol across 15 seats. These allies, including MDMK, MMK, KMDK, and Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi, collectively won eight seats. In contrast, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a long-time ally that insisted on contesting with its own 'ladder' symbol, lost all three seats it contested.
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Alliance Dynamics
Potential partners MMK and the Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK), which have informed DMK of their demands for five and two seats respectively, had planned to challenge the high court's decision by approaching the Supreme Court. MMK leader J H Jawahirullah stated, "The HC verdict is only interim. The case has been posted in the second week of March. But that will be too late because the election process will start by then. We will appeal in the Supreme Court. Free symbol will be allotted only after the scrutiny of nominations and that may be late."
MJK leader Thamimun Ansari added that his party, which has provided support since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, faces a significant legal battle and will inform the DMK leadership during seat-sharing talks.
Community Influence and Negotiations
T Velmurugan, representing the influential Vanniyar community, has received feelers from "Vanniyar groups" to consolidate the segment. The Panruti MLA, however, has not expressed reservations about contesting on DMK's symbol, provided he is offered "a respectable position" in the alliance. This underscores the complex negotiations and community dynamics at play as parties jockey for influence ahead of the polls.
The interim court decision thus sets the stage for a tightly contested election, with symbol allocation becoming a critical factor in alliance cohesion and electoral success.
