Complaint filed against Salem West MLA for misuse of PMK symbol

SALEM: A complaint was filed with election officer A Arun Thamburaj on Wednesday, seeking action against Salem West constituency MLA Arul Ramadoss for allegedly misusing Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) party symbol during campaigning.Party city and district president K Kumar filed the petition, which stated that Arul Ramadoss filed his nomination on April 4 to contest the April 23 assembly election as an independent candidate. However, he used the flag and symbols belonging to the PMK, headed by Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.“Former MLA M Karthi has been fielded as the official candidate of the PMK in Salem West. Arul created confusion among voters by using PMK’s symbols,” Kumar said, and added that his conduct would mislead the public during the election process. He further alleged that Arul’s action violated election norms and caused damage to the name, reputation and goodwill of the PMK. He said the misuse of party identity could disturb public peace and law and order in the constituency.The complainant urged the district election officer to probe the matter and take appropriate legal action against Arul for misusing party insignia, misleading voters, defaming the official candidate and party, and acting in a manner prejudicial to law and order. The matter was forwarded to the authorities concerned for further necessary action.