Mumbai: Jailed NCP MLA Ramesh Kadam wants to vote in MLC polls

NCP MLA Ramesh Kadam, who has been in jail since August 18, 2015 after being accused of misappropriating funds from a corporation which provides loans to the backward classes, moved the Bombay High Court yesterday seeking voting rights in the upcoming Member of Legislative Council (MLC) polls.

Also read: ED attaches Rs 120-crore assets of NCP MLA Ramesh Kadam

Ramesh Kadam

Kadam's vote is important for the elections scheduled on June 10 since BJP has fielded more candidates than there are seats. With 12 candidates fighting for 10 seats, NCP needs as many votes as it can get.

The BJP is trying to gain an upper hand in the elections by fielding popular candidates like Sadabhau Khot, Vinayak Mete, Surjit Singh, RK Singh and Pravin Darekar.

An MLA from Mohol in Solapur, Kadam is accused of misappropriating R140 crore from the funds of Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe Magasvargiya Vikas Mahamandal by sanctioning loans to firms and giving cars worth R57 crore from the trust's fund to his friends and relatives.

He, along with his two relatives, was arrested by state Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Auagust last year and has been in jail ever since. He has been booked under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and several sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The HC bench will hear the matter on June 7.