Date:26/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/26/stories/2008042658300300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Ranga Reddy Collector transferred

Election Commission of India issues order in view of his earlier track record in elections

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India has ordered the transfer of Ranga Reddy Collector Praveen Prakash with immediate effect on Friday in view of his earlier track record in elections.

It has directed Chief Electoral Officer I. V. Subba Rao to ask the State Government to furnish names of three IAS officers to be considered for appointment as Ranga Reddy Collector in Mr. Prakash’s place.

The Election Commission of India would name one in this panel for the post considered crucial in view of the byelection to Vikarabad (SC) Assembly constituency on May 29.

It may be recalled that Mr. Praveen Prakash was transferred as Visakhapatnam district Collector during the byelection to the Vizag - I Assembly constituency on the Commission’s instruction for shifting a senior election official in defiance of the Election Commission of India.

He was then posted as the East Godavari district Collector but the Commission faulted even this appointment following which he was appointed as the Managing Director of Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited.

Sources in the Chief Minister’s office said that the government would propose the three names to the Election Commission by Saturday noon. Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was informed about this development soon after he returned after participating in a ‘praja patham’ programme in Eluru.