EC refuses to extend deadline

The Election Commission on Thursday rejected the TTV Dhinakaran faction's request for more time to submit documents over the disputed "two-leaves" symbol and said that the final hearing will continue on October 6 as decided.

The Commission had set September 29 as deadline for all factions of the party laying claim to the symbol to submit affidavits and prove their strength.

In mid-September, ousted AIADMK leader Dinakaran had approached the poll watchdog and submitted a memorandum with proof to back their claim.

However, it later approached the Commission again, this time seeking more time to submit the relevant documents.

"For deciding the dispute, the Commission needs to look into the position as existing at the stage," EC's letter to Dhinakaran said.

The Commission decided not to allot additional time noting the deadline set by the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.