Will take legal route for citizenship: TRS MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh

RAJANNA-SIRCILLA/HYDERABAD : Following the rejection of his review petition by the Union Home Ministry with regard to citizenship issue, TRS MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh said he would take legal recourse seeking justice for him.“Its unfortunate that the Union Home Ministry has upheld its earlier decision with regard to the issue of my citizenship, even though I submitted 100-page explanation. In fact, the 12 months period rule for submitting the application seeking Indian citizenship had come into effect from February 25, 2009. But, I was given the citizenship on February 3, 2009. Hence, the rule is not applicable to me,” the TRS legislator, who is in Germany at present, stated in a press release on Friday.

Ramesh’s political rival and BJP leader Adi Srinivas, who had earlier approached the High Court asking that Ramesh membership of the legislative Assembly be cancelled as he is a foreign citizen, said if Ramesh has any moral values, he should resign to his MLA post, immediately. 

“Already Hyderabad High Court delivered its verdict against Ramesh. Even, Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled his Indian citizenship twice. Ramesh has cheated Indian government and legislative system. As per Section 5 (1) (f) of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, he is liable for punishment for 5 years rigorous imprisonment and `50,000 fine,” the BJP leader commented. Meanwhile, political circles are curious to know what will happen in the segment.  In view of home ministry cancelling their leader’s citizenship once again, MLAs’ followers are in a confused state. It is learnt Ramesh went to Germany about two days ago.