EC recommends Amar Singh's disqualification

     New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday said it has begun proceeding for disqualification from Parliament of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh who is holding an office of profit. Singh is the member of Rajya Sabha and also the chairman of state-run development council in Uttar Pradesh, which the EC deems is a violation of the Constitution. The EC said it has sent the recommendations to the President, who will be consulting legal experts and will hear the concerned parties before taking a decision. "The matter about issuing a notice (to Amar Singh) is under process," B.B Tandon, Chief Election Commissioner, said. The leaders, who have termed the entire controversy as politically motivated, also invoked the EC's wrath, which slammed them for having questioned the commission's integrity. "It is very unfortunate that certain unsavoury, uncalled for and unwanted comments are being made in print and television media about the neutrality of the commission. We consider it below our dignity to react to them. We treat such comments which the contempt they deserve," Tandon said. Singh is the second leader from the Samajwadi Party to face disqualification proceeding. Jaya Bachchan, close friend of Singh and wife of acting legend Amitabh Bachchan, is also facing disqualification from the coveted seat. But Uttar Pradesh government, earlier this week, hurriedly moved a proposal which seeks to remove 79 posts, including those held by the two leaders from the purview of the office of profit. If approved into legislation by the state governor, it will give both Singh and Jaya a clean chit. Audio CD of Singh's phone conversations, many of which are reported to be lewd talks with film actresses and discussions over transfers of top state officials, had caused ripples in the country. But Singh has termed them as a handiwork of the Centre, which he says is trying to malign him.

Amar Singh says he will abide by EC decision

     Lucknow: Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh said on Friday that he would abide by the verdict of Election Commission on his continuance as a member of Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission earlier said it had begun proceeding for disqualification from the Parliament of Amar Singh, who is holding an office of profit. "The Election Commission is a constitutional body. I have full respect for it. I came to know of the notice from you. If I am served with a notice, my lawyers will look into the matter. I am not an extra constitutional centre of authority, I am a simple citizen of the country. I will accept the verdict passed by the Election Commission, the Courts and the President," Singh said.

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