Nimmagadda Row: Jagan Govt Ignores Guv’s Letter

In an interesting turn of events, Andhra Pradesh state government has ignored Honourable Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan’s communique/letter over the reinstatement of Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar as the State Election Commissioner (SEC). In an unexpected development, AP government has rejected Governor’s request in Nimmagadda episode. Though reports had it that the state government would issue fresh orders reinstating Nimmagadda as the SEC by today evening, AP government chose otherwise taking many by shock.

Earlier today, Governor Biswabhusan had directed the state government to consider the reinstating of Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar as the SEC. This was a day after Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar met Governor Biswabhusan following the directions of the High Court of AP in regard to his contempt petition and submitted a memorandum to Governor requesting to reinstate him as the SEC, Governor Biswabhusan has written a letter to the Chief Secretary to reinstate Nimmagadda as the SEC.

The Raj Bhavan’s letter read as the follow. “in pursuance of the instructions of the high court in the contempt case given on July 17, the Governor has been pleased to direct the government for taking necessary action as per the directions of the court in its order dated May 29.”

Interestingly, AP government is of the opinion that the High Court cannot accept the Contempt of Court petition filed by Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar at this juncture since the case is still pending with the Supreme Court. It can be noted that the state government had approached the Supreme Court over High Court’s order.

“It was not an order from the Governor to reinstate Nimmagadda. It was a request from Governor to the state government to consider AP High Court’s direction. Since the case is pending with the Supreme Court where the state government challenged High Court’s verdict, Nimmagadda Ramesh can’t be re-apppointed as the SEC until SC’s verdict comes,” said a source in the know.

Meanwhile, Nimmagadda and his lawyer and AP High Court has different version. Ashwani Kumar, who is representing Nimmagadda Ramesh, informed the High Court earlier that the Supreme Court has not issued a Stay Order on the High Court’s verdict in the case. He also stressed that the Apex Court has heard the case thrice but it hasn’t given a Stay Order on the High Court’s judgement yet.

Now, the whole Nimmagadda row has turned even interesting with AP government snubbing Governor’s request. Now, all eyes are on High Court’s reaction and the Supreme Court’s take on the case.