DS elected unopposed as MLC

Former Pradesh Congress President Dharampuri Srinivas has been elected unopposed as the member of the Legislative Council.

Since D Srinivas was the lone candidate for the MLC elections for the vacant seat, he was declared elected by Assembly Secretary Raja Sadaram on Thursday. He was also awarded the certificate of his election as MLC. Later, Legislative Council chairman Dr A Chakrapani administered the oath of office and secrecy to Srinivas.

Talking to media persons, Srinivas said that he would continue to work as a loyal worker of the Congress party. Regarding Telangana issue, he said that he never changed his stand on the issue and still favours statehood for the region. However, he said that the issue should not create rift between the Telugu speaking people and the process of separation should be amicable and peaceful.

Srinivas also denied reports that he was nominated for the post because of Telangana issue. He said that the Congress party has always recognised the services of loyal workers and he was glad his service got recognition. He said he got the MLC only after it fell vacant due to the resignation of Dr K Rosaiah after his elevation to the post of Governor of Tamil Nadu. He claimed that he never aspired for any posts and always discharged the responsibilities assigned to him by the party.

Several ministers including K Jana Reddy, D Sreedhar Babu, B Saraiah and Sunita Laxma Reddy, MP Madhu Yashki Goud, MLAs Gade Venkat Reddy, JC Diwakar Reddy, Nandishwar Goud and Anil Kumar were present on the occasion.