VIZIANAGARAM: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday cancelled the MLC by-election notification issued for the Vizianagaram Local Authorities’ Constituency.
The State Election Commission (SEC) had issued the notification for the MLC by-election on November 4 as the seat fell vacant due to the disqualification of sitting MLC Indukuri Raghu Raju by Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju under the anti-defection law. Raghu Raju challenged his disqualification in the High Court.
The cancellation of the bypoll comes in wake of High Court setting aside the disqualification order on November 6. Subsequently, the CEO forwarded the court order to the ECI, which decided to rescind its notification.
Three nominations were filed for the MLC by-election, including one from a YSRC candidate and another from Raghu Raju’s wife Subba Lakshmi. Thursday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations as per the ECI schedule. Speaking to TNIE, MLC Raghu Raju said justice prevailed. “It may be the first of its kind case in the country, and this should be an eye opener to the YSRC leadership,” added Raghu Raju.