Hyderabad, Sept 12: Facing the heat over his party legislator C Krishna Yadav's involvement in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today called for a national debate on constitutional amendment to provide for expelling people's representatives in the event of their conviction in criminal cases. "There is a need for consensus among political parties on such a provision to send a strong message to people and show commitment to probity in public life," Naidu told reporters here.

The TDP had earlier expelled Yadav, a former minister, from the party following his recent arrest for his alleged role in the stamp paper racket. Asserting that his party was committed to upholding political morality and probity in public life, Naidu said there was a need for parties to rise above their political interests and ponder over measures to ensure that legislative bodies are free from criminal elements.

"If all parties agree, we can go for constitutional amendment to debar members from the legislative bodies if convicted in criminal cases," he said.

Naidu also favoured confiscation of properties of those involved in scams.

Asked whether the properties of Yadav, a two-time MLA representing Himayatnagar constituency in the city, would be confiscated, Naidu said "the investigation is on. If such rule (confiscation of properties) comes, it should be applicable to everybody". Bureau Report