Privilege panel issues notice to SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar

VIJAYAWADA: The cold war between the state government and State Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, which was subdued during the panchayat elections, resurfaced after a notice was issued to Ramesh Kumar by the Assembly Privilege Committee on Thursday.

Earlier, ministers Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Botsa Satyanarayana lodged a complaint with the Assembly Privilege Committee against the orders of the SEC to keep them under house arrest. The committee which discussed the issue on Wednesday issued notices to Ramesh Kumar on Thursday. They were sent by email and post.

Interestingly, Ramesh Kumar is going on leave for four days from Friday and there are doubts about his response to the notice. It may be recalled that the Assembly Privilege Committee, which met on February 2, on a complaint lodged by the ministers, decided to take action against the SEC. It was announced that they would meet on March 17 and accordingly notice was issued to the SEC on Thursday.

Privilege committee chairman Kakani Govardhan Reddy clarified that Ramesh Kumar should attend the hearing whether he is in office or not. He clarified that the Privilege Committee has full powers to protect the rights of the legislators.