MLA disqualification row: Danam appeals for time after Kadiyam’s request

Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has requested more time from Speaker Prasad Kumar to respond to the BRS disqualification petition. Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari also sought an extension, even as the Supreme Court directs the Speaker to act within a week

Hyderabad: Turncoat MLA from Khairatabad, Danam Nagender, on Sunday appealed to Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to grant him more time to respond to the disqualification petition.

The Speaker had issued notices to Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari and Nagender, directing them to appear for a hearing on the petition before November 23. This was the second notice served to the two MLAs after eight other BRS turncoat MLAs submitted their affidavits to the Speaker on the disqualification petition filed by the BRS.

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Both MLAs appealed for an extension to respond to the notices. While the Station Ghanpur MLA met the Speaker at his residence on Friday and sought additional time, Nagender submitted a letter in the Speaker’s Office on Sunday seeking more time to reply to the petition. He also met AICC senior leaders in New Delhi before submitting his request for additional time.

However, there is no clarity on whether the Speaker will approve the Khairatabad MLA’s request. The Station Ghanpur MLA has claimed that the Speaker responded positively to his appeal.

The Supreme Court recently issued contempt notices to the Speaker after the BRS filed a petition objecting to the delay in ruling on the disqualification of the turncoat MLAs. The apex court has directed the Speaker to act on the matter within a week.

Considering these factors, the Speaker is expected to seek legal opinion and expert recommendations before announcing his decision.