TRS MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh’s Indian citizenship has been cancelled

TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) Vemulawada legislator Chennamaneni Ramesh received a shock when the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ruled out his claim of Indian citizenship as null and void on Tuesday, September 5.

Ramesh contested in the Telangana election and was elected as MLA of Vemulawada but his opponent Adi Srinivas of Congress filed a petition in the High Court in 2010. Ramesh, an Indian citizen by birth moved to Germany and renounced his relationship in 1993 to take up German citizenship. Later he reapplied for Indian citizenship on 31st March 2008 under the 1995 Act with the intention of contesting elections.

As per section 5 (1) (f) of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, a person who had foregone the citizenship, can apply for it after staying for one year in the country. Ramesh applied under this provision. But Adi Srinivas proved that Ramesh had stayed only 96 days in India during the period. The High Court in 2013 upheld Srinivas' argument. 

The matter was then taken to Supreme Court which directed the MHA to submit a report within 6 months. The MHA took this decision and MHA joint secretary issued the order and gave 30 days time to appeal.

Ramesh said that he will appeal to the secretary of MHA. He also said that he had forfeited his German citizenship while obtaining Indian citizenship as there is no dual citizenship system either in Germany or in India. He is worried as to where to go if his Indian citizenship is cancelled?

• TRS
• MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh
• Indian citizenship cancelled