Fate of defected MLAs hangs in balance after Supreme Court fixes two-week deadline

The Supreme Court has given the Telangana Assembly Speaker two weeks to decide on disqualification petitions against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. While petitions against nine legislators may be dismissed citing lack of evidence, their cases are expected to face judicial review. Petitioners presented photos and videos of the MLAs joining Congress, but the legislators relied on affidavits denying defection.

Hyderabad: The Supreme Court‘s final two-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker means more uncertainty over the future of the 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress. Though the Speaker is expected to dismiss petitions against nine turncoat MLAs citing lack of technical evidence, their cases are likely to be taken up for judicial review.

Over the past month, the Speaker dismissed disqualification petitions against seven MLAs, citing lack of evidence. Among those cleared were Arekapudi Gandhi, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy, T Prakash Goud and Tellam Venkat Rao. The inquiry against Jagtial MLA K Sanjay has concluded, but the verdict is curiously reserved. All of them have adopted identical defence lines, insisting they never defected.

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Incidentally, the petitioners furnished photographs, videos and public appearances of the legislators openly joining the Congress in the presence of the Chief Minister, and even participating in party meetings. In stark contrast, the defected legislators offered nothing beyond self-certified affidavits claiming they remained with the BRS and had merely met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in connection with development works.

Even more striking is the case of Kadiyam Srihari who admitted to the media and also at the Congress party meetings that he joined the Congress, but later denied it before the Speaker, calling it part of politics. Reports suggested that he refrained from officially admitting defection at the request of the Chief Minister, who was not inclined towards another bypoll.

Danam Nagender’s case is indefensible as he not only defected but contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls on a Congress ticket within months of winning as a BRS MLA. His disqualification appears inevitable, triggering a bypoll in Khairatabad.

With the Supreme Court granting only two weeks for a final decision, the Speaker is now obligated to decide the fate of the defected MLAs and clear up his hands. However, the battle is far from over for all the remaining MLAs.

Sources said BRS leaders are likely to continue the legal battle and seek judicial review of the Speaker’s decisions which were taken as a tribunal and can be challenged in court. Though the Speaker’s decisions were against them, the BRS leaders said they have exposed the hollowness of the claims made by Congress government and the defected MLAs. They are confident of victory in the courts which will determine the final fate of the defectors.