Telangana Assembly Speaker Reviews Disqualification Requests Against Two BRS MLAs
Synopsis
In a significant development, Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has initiated hearings on the disqualification of two BRS MLAs accused of switching their allegiance to Congress in 2024. The outcome of these proceedings could reshape the political landscape in the region.
Key Takeaways
Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has begun hearings on disqualification petitions.
Petitions were filed against Kadiyam Srihari and Danam Nagender .
Previous petitions against eight BRS MLAs were dismissed.
The Supreme Court has ordered a three-week deadline for decisions.
The allegations involve potential violations of the Anti-Defection Act .
Hyderabad, March 5 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Telangana Assembly, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, engaged in hearings concerning the requests for the disqualification of two BRS MLAs who allegedly shifted their allegiance to the ruling Congress party in 2024.
The hearing for the disqualification of Kadiyam Srihari was concluded, while the session regarding Danam Nagender's disqualification has been postponed to Saturday.
The Speaker instructed both the petitioners and the implicated MLA to attend the upcoming hearing.
Petitions for Nagender's disqualification were submitted by BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy and BJP MLA Maheshwar Reddy.
The proceedings on the petition filed by BRS MLA K. P. Vivekanand regarding Srihari's disqualification have been wrapped up.
With the next hearing set for Saturday, the Speaker aims to finalize the disqualification process, with decisions expected to be announced afterward.
Previously, the Speaker has dismissed disqualification petitions against eight out of ten BRS MLAs who were accused of defecting to the Congress party in 2024.
In December 2025, disqualification requests against five MLAs—Tellam Venkat Rao, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, T. Prakash Goud, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and Arekapudi Gandhi—were also dismissed.
On January 15, the petitions against Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Kale Yadaiah were rejected.
Additionally, on February 4, the Speaker ruled against the disqualification of BRS MLA Sanjay Kumar.
In all cases, the Speaker determined that the petitioners failed to present compelling evidence of the MLAs' defection to the Congress, reaffirming that the Anti-Defection Act could not be enforced.
Despite the BRS's claims that the ten MLAs publicly joined the Congress and even occupied seats in the Treasury Benches within the Assembly, the MLAs maintain that their intent was solely to engage with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to secure funding for their constituencies.
On February 6, the Supreme Court granted the Speaker a final opportunity to adjudicate the outstanding disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs.
Justices Sanjay Karol and A.G. Masih directed the Speaker to make a definitive ruling on the pending petitions within three weeks.
"We anticipate the Speaker to take decisive action; otherwise, we will proceed to issue contempt," ordered the Justice Karol-led Bench.
The apex court was addressing contempt petitions regarding the Speaker's non-compliance with its July 31, 2025, order, which had allocated three months for the Speaker to resolve the disqualification petitions against ten BRS MLAs accused of crossing over to the Congress.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing political turmoil in Telangana, where the disqualification hearings of BRS MLAs could signal a shift in political alliances and governance in the state. This situation underscores the importance of accountability and the implications of party loyalty in India's political framework.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the disqualification hearings of the BRS MLAs?
The hearings were initiated due to allegations that the MLAs switched their loyalties to the ruling Congress party.
Who are the BRS MLAs involved in the disqualification petitions?
The MLAs involved are Kadiyam Srihari and Danam Nagender.
What has been the Speaker's previous stance on disqualification petitions?
The Speaker has dismissed petitions for disqualifying eight out of ten BRS MLAs in similar cases.
What is the Anti-Defection Act?
The Anti-Defection Act is a law in India that prevents elected representatives from switching parties after elections.
What did the Supreme Court rule regarding the Speaker's decisions?
The Supreme Court directed the Speaker to finalize the pending disqualification petitions within three weeks.
