The EC clarified all MLAs are entitled to vote in the MLC polls
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Hyderabad: Four main objections filed by the Telugu Desam and Congress with the Election Commission and the Hyderabad High Court have been set aside, paving the way for the smooth conduct of MLC elections from the MLAs quota for six seats on June 1.
On Friday, the Election Commission conveyed to the MLC election authorities that TRS MLA Chennameni Ramesh from the Vemulavada Assembly constituency is entitled to participate in voting for the MLC polls.
The TD and the Congress said that Mr Ramesh holds dual citizenship and that the Supreme Court had earlier restrained him from participating in voting. However, it was clarified that the apex court orders were issued in 2013 in united Andhra Pradesh. He was subsequently re-elected in 2014; as such as such he cannot be restrained from participating in voting in the polls.
On the question of allowing open ballots for greater transparency like in the Rajya Sabha polls, it was clarified that the Representation of People’s Act does not provide for it. On the complaint that voting right provided to the nominated MLA should be cancelled, the EC clarified that the Constitution explicitly says all MLAs are entitled to vote in the MLC polls and this cannot be altered.
Fourth, the petition seeking directions to restrain TD and Congress MLAs who have joined the TRS from voting was set aside by the Hyderabad High Court. Former Election Commission secretary Brah-mam will conduct awareness classes for all the seven contestants on Saturday.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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