Speaker begins hearings on disqualification petitions against BRS turncoat MLAs

Telangana Assembly Speaker began in-camera hearings on BRS disqualification petitions against 10 MLAs who defected to Congress. Proceedings, held under strict security, saw counsels cross-examining petitioners. BRS leaders demanded immediate disqualification, citing evidence of open defection

Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Monday commenced in-camera hearings on disqualification petitions filed by the BRS against 10 defected MLAs who crossed over to the ruling Congress. The first day of the trial was held at the Speaker’s chamber from 11 am to 4 pm, where the counsels of defected MLAs cross-examined the petitioners. On October 1, the defected MLAs themselves will face questioning by BRS counsels.

Following the summons issued by the Assembly Speaker, defected BRS MLAs T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Kale Yadaiah (Chevella), Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru) and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy (Jogulamba Gadwal) appeared before him along with their counsels. Similarly, petitioners Kalvakuntla Sanjay, Chinta Prabhakar and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy appeared for the hearing along with their counsels.

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Proceedings were held behind closed doors amid tight security and strict restrictions. Media and visitors were barred, and both petitioners and respondents were instructed not to carry mobile phones inside. Legislature Secretary V Narasimha Charyulu warned that any violations would invite confiscation of devices and disqualification of advocates from appearing.

The disqualification petitions were filed last year after 10 BRS MLAs defected to Congress following the 2023 Assembly elections. The Speaker acted after the Supreme Court directions on July 31 that a decision be taken within three months on the pending BRS petitions.

Speaking outside the Assembly near Gunpark, BRS leaders reiterated their demand for immediate disqualification of the turncoat MLAs. Rajeshwar Reddy said the defection of 10 BRS MLAs to Congress was an open secret, but they had falsely testified before the Speaker and the Court that they had not switched sides. “We have placed all evidence, including media reports and photographs, to prove otherwise,” he said.

Dr Sanjay charged that the defected legislators were enjoying power while denying the obvious. “If they have any shame, they should resign and seek a fresh mandate. We are confident the evidence will establish their defection beyond doubt,” he asserted.