TN Minister Keerthana Misses Taking Oath as She Could Not Present Certificate of Election

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana could not take the oath of office as an MLA in the State Assembly on Monday because he did not submit the Election Certificate, which is a prerequisite for taking the oath, an official said. When Parliament Chief Secretary K Srinivasan invited Keerthana to take the oath by mentioning his name on the microphone, Keerthana walked from one side to the dais located just in front of the chief minister’s seat. Additionally, MPs who are sworn in will face the speaker pro tem presiding.

As Keerthana approached the podium, Srinivasan raised his hand and asked her about the certificate, which could be seen in the live broadcast of the Assembly proceedings.

However, he could not produce the certificate and it was not known what he replied to Srinivasan.

When asked what happened, an official told PTI: “Apparently, he did not have the election certificate with him. Since he could not produce the certificate, the senior official politely did not allow him to take the oath. Once he presents the election certificate, he can take the oath.”

The MLAs have been told to make sure to bring their certificates and the government has even made this clear in a press note, the official said.

All the MLAs, including Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, first presented their certificates and were then asked by the officials to take oath as per the Constitution.

Keerthana was the last minister (ninth in the Cabinet order) to be invited to take oath.

He was elected from Sivakasi assembly constituency and defeated Ashokan G from Congress party. He won by 11,670 votes. Former Minister and AIADMK heavyweight KT Rajentrabhalaji has been pushed to the third position.

The current number of members of the TN Assembly is 233. Vijay won from Perambur and Tiruchi East and resigned from Tiruchi East constituency.