The Telangana High Court has directed several MLAs accused of defecting from the BRS to the Congress to file their counters by May 6. The order came during hearings on petitions filed by BRS legislators seeking disqualification of defectors.
The Telangana Assembly is witnessing the final stage of hearings on disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari, who defected to the Congress under ‘Operation Akarsh’.
Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar reserved his verdict after completing the hearing on disqualification petitions against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender. The decision in the Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari case has also been reserved and is expected soon
Senior Congress leader T Jeevan Reddy turned emotional while addressing party workers in Jagtial, accusing the leadership of denying tickets to his supporters and systematically sidelining him. He criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for allegedly favouring defectors despite earlier opposing them.
The disqualification case against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has entered a decisive phase, with Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar scheduling a hearing on January 30. Notices have been issued to Nagender, petitioner Padi Kaushik Reddy, BJP leader Maheshwar Reddy, and their counsel.
BRS MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, now aligned with Congress, admitted to winning on the BRS symbol and pledged to abide by the Speaker’s decision on his defection. Addressing party workers in Banswada, he defended his move citing developmental goals and denied any personal gain, even offering to resign if proven otherwise. The Speaker is set to resume hearings on Friday.
Patancheru MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy, who defected from BRS to Congress post the 2024 MP elections, now faces disqualification threats and political isolation. Despite joining Congress, he remains distant from both parties, leaving voters and leaders guessing his next move.
Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has dismissed speculation about his resignation, calling it false propaganda. The rumours gained traction after the Speaker concluded cross-examinations in the BRS disqualification case. Nagender and a few other defected MLAs are yet to submit affidavits reaffirming loyalty to BRS.
With local body elections approaching, Congress faces internal tensions as defected BRS MLAs seek ticket assurances. Senior party leaders are pushing for loyalists, creating friction. Meanwhile, ministers head to Delhi over a Supreme Court petition challenging BC reservations and to finalise the Jubilee Hills bye-election candidate.
