Resentment is brewing within a section of the Anglo-Indian community here over the Governor’s decision to give a second term to nominated Anglo-Indian MLA Nancy Ann Cynthia Francis in the 15{+t}{+h}Legislative Assembly. Critics of Ms. Nancy allege that she was “inaccessible” during her previous term as nominated MLA during 2011-16 and her contributions to the community was not adequate.
Former nominated Anglo-Indian MP and MLA Beatrix D’Souza alleged that applications seeking old-age pension for community members were not approved during the last five years.
“Many Anglo-Indian families, living in huts and small houses, were left in the lurch during the floods in Chennai in December last. But the MLA was nowhere to be seen during the floods,” Ms. D’Souza charged.
Another former nominated MLA during the former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran’s regime, Geoffrey K. Francis, alleged that Ms. Nancy had not help the community, which was facing issues like non-availability of jobs and difficulty in securing admissions to educational institutions.
“Both Ms. Beatrix and Mr. Geoffrey belong to rival Anglo-Indian associations. But I belong to the same association as that of Ms. Nancy and I can say that she has not helped even us. Except during the Assembly sessions, she was always in Madurai, while most of the community members are in Chennai,” claims another former nominated MLA and governing body member of All India Anglo-Indian Association, Oscar C. Nigli.
Founder of Anglo-Indian Suburban Front Augustine Roy Rozario said his association would write to the Election Commission of India to frame rules on who can become an MLA to represent the community.
When The Hindu sought a reaction to the allegations made against her, Ms. Nancy said, “I have done whatever I could do to the community. It may not be what these people want me to do.”
What Constitution says
As per Article 33 of the Constitution, two members of the Anglo-Indian community can be nominated by the President of India to the Lok Sabha and one to the State Legislative Assemblies across the country by respective Governors, except in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Though it was initially left to the discretion of the Governor to decide on the number of nominated MLAs, it was eventually amended to only one in the State Assembly.
The Governor can nominate a member of the community to the House if he or she feels that Anglo-Indians are not adequately represented in the House.
These nominated MLAs can participate during voting within the House, except in cases when the election is for the President and over financial bills.
The nominated MLAs, like any other MLA, would get funds for constituency development.
