TRS MLA Ramesh not Indian citizen, rules MHA

HYDERABAD: The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has reiterated its decision to revoke the Indian citizenship of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLA from Vemulawada, Chennamaneni Ramesh. The ruling party legislator, who migrated to Germany in 1993, renounced Indian citizenship and took German citizenship. But came back to India and once again took Indian citizenship in 2009.
Home ministry additional secretary BR Sharma on December 13 dismissed the revision and review petition of Ramesh.
Three-time MLA says he will approach the high court again
Earlier on August 31, 2017, ministry of home affairs joint secretary (Foreigners) had revoked his Indian citizenship. Later on September 8, Ramesh filed a petition seeking review of the order. As per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 an appeal can be made within 30 days of the decision. The home department heard him on December 1and came to the conclusion that no further examination of witness is required.
The latest order stated “it has been observed that the requirement of residing in India throughout the period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of application was applicable at the time of when the applicant had filled up the form for citizenship and to which he had answered affirmative. The statement given by him was found to be in suppression of material facts leading to the conclusion that he had adopted fraudulent means to obtain citizenship.”
Ramesh said he would again approach the high court. “Since all the material facts are in my favour, I hope I would get justice in the court of law,” he said. He further said though he had submitted 100 pages of documents, the appellate authority did not consider them and then made a decision based on the earlier inquiry report. “I have applied for Indian citizenship on February 3, 2009, but the 12-month rule came into force on February 25, 2009. Hence the 12-month rule does not apply to me,” Ramesh said.