MADURAI: In the 1973 iconic movie ‘Enter the Dragon’, Bruce Lee fights the climactic battle in his rival Han’s mirror room where multiple reflections of him initially confuse Lee. Expelled AIADMK rebel O Panneerselvam is in a similar situation in Ramanathapuram, where he is contesting as a BJP-backed independent: At least three other people named O Panneerselvam have filed nominations; more namesakes may join later.
The ‘dummy’ candidates, ostensibly put up by his rivals, could make this difficult for OPS as he will not be contesting on a known party symbol. V Pugazhendi, a close aide of OPS accused the EPS group of fielding namesakes. “It is to prevent OPS from getting the preferred symbol as the returning officer will decide by lot if more than one independent candidate has given their first preference for the same free symbol,” he said. Pugazhendi moved EC on Tuesday to plead for freezing AIADMK’s two leaves symbol.
While OPS’s full name is Ottakarathevar Panneerselvam, the other Panneerselvams have as their first names Ochappan, Oyyaram, Oyyathevar and Ochathevar. Ochappan Panneerselvam from Mekkilarpatti in Usilampatti taluk filed his nomination right after OPS did. Oyyaram Panneerselvam belongs to Ramanathapuram district, the others are from Madurai.
While Panneerselvam’s father’s name is Ottakarathevar, the name of his family deity from Srivilliputhur, Ochappan and Ochathevar are popular names in Madurai district, especially in Usilampatti and Thirumangalam taluks. The people here name their children after Goddess Aachi Ochayi, one of the powerful deities worshipped by the Piramalai Kallar community.
The name O Panneerselvam was suddenly in demand after the former CM decided to file his nomination. When approached by reporters, Ochappan Panneerselvam said he was contesting “to do good for people”. A relative of his, however, said on condition of anonymity that the candidate has no idea about politics. “He grows flowers. He doesn’t know anything beyond that. We don’t know who lured him. He is terrified if this would pose any threat to his life or that of his family members,” the relative said.
Oyyaram Panneerselvam could not read the pledge; collector Vishnu Chandran had to read it for him. All the OPSs hurriedly left when reporters tried to ask them questions.
Former chief minister OPS said he had requested for the symbol ‘bucket’, ‘grape’ or ‘jackfruit’. The other contestants for Ramanathapuram are Navas Kani of IUML, a DMK ally, and AIADMK’s B Ilayaperumal.
The ‘dummy’ candidates, ostensibly put up by his rivals, could make this difficult for OPS as he will not be contesting on a known party symbol. V Pugazhendi, a close aide of OPS accused the EPS group of fielding namesakes. “It is to prevent OPS from getting the preferred symbol as the returning officer will decide by lot if more than one independent candidate has given their first preference for the same free symbol,” he said. Pugazhendi moved EC on Tuesday to plead for freezing AIADMK’s two leaves symbol.
While OPS’s full name is Ottakarathevar Panneerselvam, the other Panneerselvams have as their first names Ochappan, Oyyaram, Oyyathevar and Ochathevar. Ochappan Panneerselvam from Mekkilarpatti in Usilampatti taluk filed his nomination right after OPS did. Oyyaram Panneerselvam belongs to Ramanathapuram district, the others are from Madurai.
While Panneerselvam’s father’s name is Ottakarathevar, the name of his family deity from Srivilliputhur, Ochappan and Ochathevar are popular names in Madurai district, especially in Usilampatti and Thirumangalam taluks. The people here name their children after Goddess Aachi Ochayi, one of the powerful deities worshipped by the Piramalai Kallar community.
The name O Panneerselvam was suddenly in demand after the former CM decided to file his nomination. When approached by reporters, Ochappan Panneerselvam said he was contesting “to do good for people”. A relative of his, however, said on condition of anonymity that the candidate has no idea about politics. “He grows flowers. He doesn’t know anything beyond that. We don’t know who lured him. He is terrified if this would pose any threat to his life or that of his family members,” the relative said.
Oyyaram Panneerselvam could not read the pledge; collector Vishnu Chandran had to read it for him. All the OPSs hurriedly left when reporters tried to ask them questions.
Former chief minister OPS said he had requested for the symbol ‘bucket’, ‘grape’ or ‘jackfruit’. The other contestants for Ramanathapuram are Navas Kani of IUML, a DMK ally, and AIADMK’s B Ilayaperumal.