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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