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EC asks written submissions from JD factions on symbol

The Election Commission today directed the rival factions of the Janata Dal led by Sharad Yadav and H D Deve Gowda to file written submissions on August 7 in support of their claims of being the ''real'' JD and the rightful holders of the chakra (wheel) poll symbol.

After hearing oral submissions from both sides for about two hours this morning, the full commission comprising chief election commissioner M S Gill and election commissioners G V G Krishnamurthy and J M Lyngdoh adjourned the matter to 10 AM on Friday.

While senior counsel G L Sanghi represented the faction led by Sharad Yadav, Deve Gowda's group was represented by senior advocate R K Anand. Senior leaders from both sides including Sharad Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan, S R Bommai, Prof Madhu Dandavate and Bapu Kaldate were present.

Deve Gowda's faction had moved the Election Commission to be allotted the chakra symbol after the party split late last month because of differences over joining the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance.

Coming out of today's hearing, Prof Madhu Dandavate, a member of the Deve Gowda group, said that the rival faction had violated the party constitution, which explicitly barred any unit or member from aligning with a communal party.

''This violation of the party constitution is the basic issue before the commission,'' he added.

UNI

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