Disqualification hearing: Defected BRS MLAs face tough questions, deny joining Congress

The disqualification hearings against defected MLAs continued in the Telangana Assembly, with BRS advocates cross-examining Chevella MLA Kale Yadaiah and Rajendranagar MLA T Prakash Goud. The MLAs denied joining Congress and struggled to explain their absence from key BRS events.

Hyderabad: The hearing on disqualification petitions against defected MLAs continued before Speaker Gaddam Prasad on Wednesday, with the defected MLAs denying having joined the ruling Congress.

BRS MLAs’ advocates Mohan Rao and Ramchander Rao cross-examined the turncoat MLAs, Chevella MLA Kale Yadaiah and Rajendranagar MLA T Prakash Goud.

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On Monday, BRS petitioners Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Kalvakuntla Sanjay and Chinta Prabhakar were cross-examined by the defendants, while the cross-examination of the accused MLAs began on Wednesday under tight security arrangements at the Legislative Assembly.

The questioning of Patancheru MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy and Gadwal MLA Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy will continue on October 4.

During the cross-examination, the MLAs failed to provide a clear answer on why they skipped the BRS silver jubilee celebrations at Yelkathurthy, BRSLP meetings or other party meetings held in their respective constituencies or the State headquarters in Telangana.

Rajendranagar MLA T Prakash Goud admitted attending a Congress leader’s swearing-in as Agricultural Market Committee chairman, but claimed he was unaware it was a Congress event. Asked about sitting separately in the Assembly, the MLAs said they sat where the Speaker directed.