Speaker rejects BRS petitions against defected MLAs; party to move Supreme Court

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar rejected BRS petitions seeking disqualification of MLAs who defected to the Congress, citing lack of evidence. The BRS said it would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the matter on Thursday.

Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Wednesday rejected the disqualification petitions filed by the BRS against MLAs who defected to the Congress after being elected on the BRS symbol. The Speaker pronounced the verdict around 3.30 pm, citing lack of sufficient evidence to declare the MLAs as defectors, sources said.

BRS leaders including petitioners and their lawyers are still awaiting to meet the Speaker at the State Legislative Assembly on his decision. Following Wednesday’s decision, the BRS confirmed plans to challenge the Speaker’s order in the Supreme Court.

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In the first phase, the decision covered petitions against five MLAs — Tellam Venkat Rao, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy, Prakash Goud, Gudem Mahipal Reddy and Arekapudi Gandhi. The ruling came a day before the expiry of the four-week deadline set by the Supreme Court, which had repeatedly censured the Speaker for delays and warned of contempt proceedings.

The apex court had earlier fixed a three-month deadline ending October 21, which was not adhered to, leading to sharp observations against the Speaker. The BRS had approached the Supreme Court alleging that no inquiry was conducted into the defection of 10 MLAs.

Notices were issued to 10 MLAs, but only eight responded and denied to have joined the ruling Congress. Kadiam Srihari sought more time to respond, while Danam Nagender is yet to reply. The Supreme Court hearing on Thursday is expected to play key role in deciding their fate.