MLC Padmavathi, husband held for code violation

The Hanamkonda police on Friday arrested MLC Pulla Padmavathi (Cong) and her husband city Congress chief Pulla Bhaskar for violating election code of conduct amidst protests from party activists.

 Amid the vehemest protests by Congress activists, the police arrested the couple from her residence. The election officials have issued a show cause notice on the couple for violating the election code. Padmavathi is reported to have distributed sarees and money to the poor on Thursday at a function held to commemorate the 61st birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy at Balasamudram..

 The police registered a suo motu case under Sections 188 and 171 (a) and (b) of IPC dealing with coercion. The election code is force throughout the district as Warangal west Assembly constituency goes to the bypolls on July 27.

 Padmavathi told newsmen during the arrests that TRS and TDP activists were behind her arrest. She found no reason why a philanthropic activity like offering alms to the poor at a temple would attract model code of conduct. ``Moreover, we are yet to reply to the notice of the Election Commission,'' the MLC said.

 TRS leaders Gudimalla Ravi Kumar and others complained to District Collector N Sridhar and Superintendent of Police Shah Nawaz Qasim demanding the immediate arrest of Padmavathi, it is learnt.