Rejecting a request for a ban on namesake candidates in elections, the Supreme Court today said it cannot stop people from contesting polls if they are named after political leaders.
India News: Bruce Lee battles in 'Enter the Dragon'. O Panneerselvam, independent candidate, contests against namesakes in Ramanathapuram. V Pugazhendi accuses AI
According to the Election Commission s updated data, Ochappan Panneerselvam, Oyya Thevar Panneerselvam, Ocha Thevar Panneerselvam, Oyyaram Panneerselvam are the four persons who have the same name and initial like the former chief minister, who heads the AIADMK Workers Retrieval Organisation.
Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha Polls: For the former chief minister, the upcoming general elections represent a do-or-die battle, as he cannot afford to lose votes to the other Panneerselvams if he intends to maintain his political relevance in the state.