Date:10/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/10/stories/2004051004620400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Anti-defection: TRS can issue whip to members, says CEO

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MAY 9. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), M. Narayana Rao, on Sunday night cleared doubts about the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) coming under the purview of the Anti-Defection law, stating that it did come under the law and as such, could issue a whip to its members.

Mr. Rao told The Hindu that the 10th schedule of the Constitution, which dealt with anti-defection provisions, referred to `political parties' and not `recognised political party'.

As such any registered party like the TRS could issue the whip to its members if such a necessity arose. However, he made it clear that the TRS was not a `recognised' party as of now, but it might get this benefit depending on the percentage of votes polled. After the results came out, the party leadership could seek such a status citing the votes received in its favour. Based on the percentage of votes polled, the Election Commission would accord the status, he said.