TS MLAs line up to pick next President

Akbar, D. Manohar Reddy forced to skip voting

Voting to elect the next President of India passed off smoothly in Telangana state on Monday, with 117 of the 119 MLAs exercising their franchise.

MIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi, who is in London undergoing treatment and TRS Pedapally MLA Dasari Manohar Reddy, who is under treatment for typhoid in a private hospital in city were the only ones who could not cast their votes.

While the MIM extended support to UPA nominee Meira Kumar, the TRS pledged its support to NDA’s choice Ram Nath Kovind.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who had earlier directed the party leaders to ensure even the ailing legislators cast their vote by bringing them in ambulances, appeared to have a change of heart.

The Chief Minister spoke to Mr Manohar Reddy and his family members and advised them not to rush for voting as this may affect the MLA’s treatment.

Mr Chandrasekhar Rao told Mr Manohar Reddy that his one vote would not alter the Presidential election results and asked him to stay in hospital till the time he is fully recovered.

As far as polling was concerned, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao exercised his vote first, followed by Speaker S. Madhusudana Chary and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly K. Jana Reddy.

BJP MLA G. Kishan Reddy was the last one to cast his vote in the evening.