Clemency to Cong leader: TDP seeks resignation of CM, Shinde

Hyderabad, Oct 11 (UNI) TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu today sought the resignation of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and Union Minister and former state Governor Sushilkumar Shinde, in the wake of Supreme Court quashing the clemency given to Congress leader Gouru Venkata Reddy.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Naidu said both Dr Reddy and the then Governor Sushilkumar Shinde had violated the provisions of the constitution by showing mercy on a Congress leader, who was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case.

Gouru Venkata Reddy was arrested and convicted in a case of twin murders in Nandikotkur in Kurnool district, six years ago. He was, however released on a clemency petition by the Governor on the recommendations of the district Superintendent of Police and the Collector.

Mr Naidu said Mr Shinde, who had granted clemency should have looked into the pros and cons of the case, before taking the decision. Demanding his resignation, Mr Naidu said ''if he did not resign, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should dismiss him from the cabinet.'' The TDP supremo alleged that the case had proved, beyond doubt, that the Raj Bhavans had become rehabilitation centres for the politically unemployed. He also sought action on the then Collector and the SP, who he said had acted as per the directions of the government.

The decision of the apex court should be an eye-opener to all governments as it had clearly stated that clemency should not be granted on the basis of caste, creed, religion or politics, he noted.

CPI leader and MP Suravaram Sudhakara Reddy said there should be clear guidelines as to who deserved clemency.

The Court, however, said Mr Reddy could once again appeal to the Governor for clemency.

UNI JRK VD HT1437