Why Did the Telangana Speaker Reject the Petitions for Disqualification of Two BRS MLAs?
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Synopsis
In a significant political development in Telangana, the Assembly Speaker has dismissed petitions to disqualify two BRS MLAs accused of switching loyalties to Congress. This decision could impact the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissed petitions to disqualify two BRS MLAs.
- The ruling states no evidence of defection to Congress.
- Seven out of ten disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs have been rejected.
- The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice for non-compliance.
- Further hearings on two additional MLAs are anticipated.
Hyderabad, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Telangana Assembly, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, on Thursday, dismissed the petitions aimed at disqualifying two BRS MLAs, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Kale Yadaiah, who were accused of switching allegiance to the ruling Congress.
In his ruling regarding their disqualification, he stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove they had defected to the Congress party.
The Speaker concluded that the anti-defection law does not pertain to these two MLAs, affirming that they remain members of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
As a result, he has now rejected disqualification petitions for seven out of ten BRS MLAs alleged to have crossed over to Congress.
Previously, last month, the Speaker had dismissed disqualification petitions against five MLAs: Tellam Venkat Rao, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, T. Prakash Goud, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and Arekapudi Gandhi.
The Speaker has yet to announce a decision regarding the disqualification petition for Sanjay Kumar.
He has concluded hearings on the petitions concerning eight MLAs and reserved the orders for future consideration.
Hearings regarding the disqualification of two additional MLAs, Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari, are expected to follow after they submit their responses to the notices sent to them.
These MLAs have requested more time to reply to the Speaker's notice issued in November.
The BRS filed disqualification petitions against ten MLAs elected under its banner in the 2023 elections, who allegedly shifted their allegiance to Congress in 2024.
While the BRS has alleged that these MLAs openly joined the Congress and have even occupied treasury benches in the Assembly, the MLAs have denied these claims, stating they merely met with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to discuss funding for their constituencies' development.
On November 17, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the Telangana Speaker for failing to comply with its order regarding the disqualification petitions against the ten MLAs.
The court had previously instructed the Assembly Speaker to resolve this matter within three months during a hearing led by the then Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
The bench characterized the non-compliance with its directives as an egregious form of contempt, leading to notices being issued to the Speaker and others concerning the petitions filed by BRS leaders.
Point of View
The dismissal of disqualification petitions by the Telangana Speaker highlights the ongoing political maneuvering in the state. While accusations of defection are serious, the Speaker's decision indicates a commitment to upholding the legislative process. It remains to be seen how this will affect party dynamics and voter sentiment as the political landscape evolves.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the reasons for the Speaker's decision?
The Speaker found no substantial evidence that the two MLAs had defected to the Congress party, stating that the anti-defection law does not apply to them.
How many MLAs' disqualification petitions have been dismissed so far?
The Speaker has dismissed petitions for the disqualification of seven out of ten BRS MLAs who were alleged to have shifted loyalties.
What is the BRS's stance on the situation?
The BRS has alleged that the MLAs openly joined the Congress and occupied treasury benches, but the MLAs maintain that they only sought funding for their constituencies.
What legal actions have been taken regarding this matter?
The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the Speaker for not complying with its directive to resolve the disqualification pleas.
What happens next in this political saga?
Further hearings are expected regarding the disqualification of two other MLAs, and the Speaker has reserved orders on several petitions.
