Speaker defers MLA disqualification hearing to Feb 18 after BJP’s plea

Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Friday postponed the hearing on disqualification petitions against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender to February 18, following a request from BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy seeking more time to participate.

Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Friday postponed the hearing on disqualification petitions against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender to February 18, following a request from BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy.
The Speaker was conducting hearings on petitions filed by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and Maheshwar Reddy, both seeking action against Nagender under the anti-defection law. While Kaushik Reddy’s petition was taken up in the morning, Maheshwar Reddy did not appear in person and was represented by his lawyers.

The process began with the petition from Kaushik Reddy, whose lawyers cross-examined Nagender. During questioning, Kaushik Reddy was asked about his reasons for filing the petition and the evidence supporting Danam Nagender’s defection.

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The BRS MLA presented proof including Danam Nagender’s electoral history where he contested and won as an MLA from Khairatabad on a BRS ticket, and later contested as a Member of Parliament from Secunderabad on a Congress ticket. Evidence also included campaign photos, videos, and images of Danam Nagender wearing a Congress scarf.

Through his counsel, BJP floor leader Maheshwar Redy sought more time, stating he wished to be present for cross-examination after the ongoing municipal election process. Taking note of the request, the Speaker adjourned further proceedings in his petition to February 18.

Nagender attended the hearing along with his legal team and submitted an affidavit maintaining that he had not resigned from the BRS and continued to be a member of the party. He said his participation in a Congress meeting last year was in a personal capacity and did not amount to defection.