EC takes no stand on the issue of foreign origin of Sonia in SC

New Delhi, Aug 5 (UNI) The Election Commission of India has not taken any stand on a petition challenging the election of Congress President Sonia Gandhi as MP as well as her holding office as Chairperson of National Advisory Council on the grounds of her foreign origin.

The EC has, in its counter-affidavit, left it to the apex Court to decide on the issue of the foreign origin of Ms Gandhi because till date there is no authentic pronouncement from the Supreme Court on the issue.

The Supreme Court had earlier issued notices to Central Government and Election Commission on a PIL seeking directions that a naturalised citizen or a person of foreign origin not be entitled to hold any public office in India and only a person of Indian origin can hold a public office.

The main issue involved in the case is that if a person can become an MP or MLA, why cannot he/she become a minister or a Prime Minister.

Ms Gandhi had to resign as Chairperson of NAC and also as MP after her election was challenged on the grounds that she was holding an Office of Profit.

UNI