MLC poll code defers Telangana secretariat\'s inauguration

HYDERABAD: The inauguration of the Secretariat complex, scheduled for February 17, has been postponed indefinitely owing to the model code of conduct that has come into effect in Hyderabad and surrounding districts for the March 13 elections to two Legislative Council seats.

Accordingly, the BRS public meeting planned at the Parade Ground in Secunderabad immediately after the Secretariat inauguration also stood postponed, party sources said.

Rao on Saturday decided to defer the inauguration after reviewing the issue with Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had planned the inauguration to coincide with his birthday on February 17 in the presence of his counterparts from several and national political leaders.

Meanwhile, official sources said that the inauguration is likely to be scheduled for March 22, marking the Telugu New Year, Ugadi. The election code will end on March 16.

The final call will be taken by Chief Minister Rao. If he wants the presence of anti-BJP leaders for the inauguration, as originally planned, then he may have to wait for their availability after March 16.

A media statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday stated "Election code came into the force in view of the notification issued for the conduct of biennial election to two MLC posts - Teachers MLC and Hyderabad Local body MLC constituency. Towards this, the chief secretary consulted the central election panel about the opening ceremony of the Secretariat. As the response has not been promising, the already announced date has been postponed for the time being."

The CMO release lacked clarity on the poll panel rejecting the Secretariat’s inauguration. It only stated that the response received from EC was “not promising.”

This has triggered speculation in BRS circles that the EC had no objection to the inauguration but it has raised objection to the BRS public meeting thereafter.