Election Commission asks chief secretary to file detailed report

The EC has written to Delhi chief secretary K.K. Sharma that replies sent by him in connection with 11 queries on the appointment of 21 parliamentary secretaries by the AAP government were not legible and directed him to submit composite information about the same latest by Thursday.

While a plea challenging the order on the appointment of 21 parliamentary secretaries has already been set aside by the Delhi high court, another petition seeking their disqualification for holding the office of profit in violation of the rules is being examined by the EC. Once the EC gives its report on the matter, Pres-ident Pranab Mukherjee will decide on the fate of 21 legislators.

In a communication, the EC has said that the chief secretary had sent details only related to the official meetings attended by 21 legislators. “From the same, it could not be inferred as to in what capacity they participated in such meetings, whether these were advisory, consultative meetings or some executive decisions were considered in these meetings. Further, whether the meetings referred to in the reply were conclusive in nature or merely in the form of continued monitoring.”

The EC has directed the CS to provide the attendance sheet and minutes of each of the meetings attended by 21 AAP legislators. The poll panel also directed the CS to furnish details if the legislators had dealt with any official file in the capacity of the parliamentary secretaries.

The Election Commission has sought details about facilities like accommodation or office space which were provided to the legislators either in the capacity of the parliamentary secretaries or as law makers of the city. It said: “Whether the allotment was done after these MLAs were app-ointed parliamentary secretaries If yes, then how many other MLAs who are not parliamentary secretaries have been allotted similar accommodation by the departments.”