Mon Apr 21 15:57:40 UTC 2025: ## Former MLA’s Citizenship Status Questioned, Ruling Invalidates Past Elections
**Hyderabad, April 21, 2025** – A Telangana High Court ruling has declared that Chennamaneni Ramesh, a four-time MLA from Vemulawada, was not an Indian citizen during his time in office. The court’s decision, delivered in December 2024, invalidates his past election victories.
Congress Whip Adi Srinivas, who repeatedly challenged Ramesh’s citizenship, collected a ₹25 lakh cheque representing part of the fine imposed on Ramesh. Srinivas had previously lost three elections to Ramesh, finally winning in 2023. He stated that the court’s decision confirms his long-held claims.
Ramesh, who won elections in 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2018 under different parties, is believed to hold German citizenship. Srinivas claims this case is unprecedented, representing a situation where an individual served as an MLA without being a citizen of the country.
Srinivas has called for a state government investigation into Ramesh’s false claims and the initiation of criminal proceedings. He further intends to pursue legal action to recover salaries and other benefits Ramesh received as a legislator. The High Court ruling casts a shadow over past elections and raises significant questions about electoral integrity.
First Piper 