The BJP candidate who contested the Andhra Pradesh Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections from Kollipara constituency has complained against the YSRCP candidate Kathera Heni Christina for misusing reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes and for suppressing information about her children.
In the complaint to the District Collector, it has been alleged that Kathera Heni Christina, a Christian representing a Christian missionary organization named ‘Harvest India’ has misused reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes.
As per the Constitutional (Scheduled Castes) Order of the President 1950, a person ceases to be a member of the Scheduled Caste community if he/she professes a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism.
Also, Kathera Heni Christina had mentioned names of only two of her children in the election affidavit. However, during a speech in an open conference in the United States she had said that she was blessed with 3 children. It has been reported in the complaint that she has 4 children in total.
The complaint notes that this is a violation of Section 19 (3) of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act 1994 which clearly says that a person who is having more than two children shall be disqualified for election or for continuing as a member.
Kather Heni Christina had earlier filed Election Affidavit during 2014 General Assembly Elections and contested from Tadikonda Constituency (SC Reserved – Guntur) on behalf of YSR Congress Party. In her election affidavit she did not disclose the details of her children and their whereabouts whereas, in her current nomination as contestant for Kollipara ZPTC elections, she mentioned only 2 children by suppressing the fact she has 4 children.
In this light, BJP candidate Mandru Sarala Kumari who is also a member of Scheduled Caste and had contested the ZPTC election from Kollipara reserved constituency has petitioned the District Collector to take action against Kather Heni Christina for misusing the reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes and for suppressing the fact that she has four children.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.