Election panel permits TRS to hold plenary in Telangana's Khammam

The Election Commission has permitted the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) to hold its plenary at Khammam, about 193 km from here, on April 27 subject to certain conditions.

The party sought the EC's permission to hold the plenary and a public meeting in view of the model code of conduct for the May 16 by-election to Palair assembly constituency in Khammam district.

The main opposition Congress had urged the panel not to grant the permission as the TRS might influence the voters.

State Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal said the permission has been granted subject to the condition that all the expenses are met by the party and no official machinery is used or involved in making any arrangements.

The commission also laid down the condition that the chief minister and ministers do not undertake official visits to attend the event.

TRS is holding the plenary to commemorate the 15th anniversary of its founding. TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will preside over the meeting.

Roads and Buildings Minister T. Nageswara Rao, who is the TRS candidate for the by-election, said the process to make arrangements for the plenary were in full swing.

A delegates session will be held in the morning while a public meeting is scheduled for the evening.

Meanwhile, opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has decided to field former MP N. Nageswara Rao for the by-election.

The seat fell vacant due to the death of Congress legislator Ramreddy Venkatreddy last month.

--IANS

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