MHA issues fresh order cancelling citizenship of Telangana MLA Ramesh Chennamaneni

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday issued a fresh order cancelling the Indian citizenship of TRS MLA Ramesh Chennamaneni for concealing facts.

The issue was related to his visits during the 12-month period immediately preceding his application seeking Indian citizenship.

In its 13-page order, the ministry said the competent authority has considered various aspects like Chennamaneni is a sitting MLA and has no criminal background or no criminal case has been filed against him.

He has not been reportedly involved in any in any activity of terrorism, espionage, serious organised crime or war crime, it said.

"His misrepresentation/concealment of fact misled the government of India in making its decision initially. Had he revealed the fact that he had not resided in India for one year before making the application, the competent authority in this ministry would not have granted citizenship to him," a home ministry order said.

Chennamaneni, who was re-elected to Telangana Assembly from the Vemulawada constituency last year, said he would approach the high court for relief.

The order said as a public representative, greater responsibility is thrust on
"Any misrepresentation or concealment of fact at that level would certainly be not conducive to the public good," the order said and quoted a Supreme Court order stating "...It is a well-known canon of law that 'Caesar's wife should be above suspicion'"