Parliamentary secys are like interns: MLAs tell poll panel

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission will take up the issue of 21 Delhi MLAs holding “unconstitutional” posts at a hearing likely to be held next month.

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission will take up the issue of 21 Delhi MLAs holding “unconstitutional” posts at a hearing likely to be held next month.

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According to EC sources, replies of all 21 AAP MLAs on the issue have been received and sent to the complainant, Prashant Patel for his comments.

“Once the replies from both sides are received, the election commission will call a hearing on the issue,” an EC official said.

The hearing comes in the wake of the President rejecting the amendment to the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly ( Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997 passed by the Delhi Assembly.

Patel, a Delhi-based lawyer had petitioned the President’s of fice asking him to take action against the creation of 21 “unconstitutional” posts of parliamentary secretaries by the Delhi government.

AAP MLAs who had been designated as parliamentary secretaries had informed the EC that their post was similar to that of an ‘intern’, or a ‘volunteer assistant’ attached to a cabinet minister. They had also underlined that they were not being remunerated.

If the EC declares the 21 MLAs disqualified that will pave the way for fresh poll.

The AAP defended the creation of the posts, saying the parliamentaries secretaries were not withdrawing any benefits. Political opponents have targeted the ruling party for making an unprecedented number of MLAs, 21, parliamentary secretaries ministers.