'Andhra govt to move SC against HC's order to reinstate SEC Ramesh Kumar': YSRCP MLA

Andhra Presh government will challenge High Court's order reinstating Ramesh Kumar as State Election Commissioner at Supreme Court, YSR Congress Party MLA Ambati Rambabu said on Friday. Earlier in day, a division bench of Andhra HC comprising Chief Justice JK Maheshwari and M Satyanarayana Murthy quashed ordinance issued by AP government curtailing tenure of  SEC and ordered reinstatement of Kumar on post.

Speaking to reporters, Rambabu said, "One month ago, state government h issued an ordinance on State Election Commission. SEC h lost his position and was replaced by Justice Kanagaraj. TDP and BJP went to high court, which quashed ordinance. We have choice to go to Supreme Court. We are consulting with legal experts for same."

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Alleges bias in TDP's favour

leer accused Ramesh Kumar of being biased against YSRCP-led state government. According to Rambabu, Kumar blindly signed on a letter sent by ex-AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu opposing government's proposed legislation against liquor and money in elections. "He was opposing that legislation as he was directed by TDP chief," YSRCP MLA said.

He said that state government removed Ramesh Kumar from his position in a "constitutional manner" through an ordinance as Kumar acted in a biased manner.

Ambati Rambabu maintained that Jagan Mohan Reddy government respects HC's order, but it will appeal against it in apex court since y have objections to verdict. In response to criticism of opposition parties over order, Rambabu hit back asking wher a government is supposed to step down if a verdict comes against it.

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Setback to Jagan

Friday's judgement is being perceived as a major setback for Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as he h publicly described Kumar as casteist and inclined towards Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party. Prouncing its verdict on 13 petitions challenging Kumar's removal, bench ruled that state government did t have power to issue an ordinance under Section 213 of Constitution.

Thus, all government orders brought under it have become invalid. Moreover, court set aside appointment of V Kanagaraj as SEC. Subsequently, Kumar has assumed charge as SEC once again. 

(With ANI inputs)

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