Telangana Speaker likely to seek SC deadline extension on defected MLAs’ disqualification

With the Supreme Court’s deadline looming, disqualification proceedings against 10 BRS MLAs who joined the Congress remain incomplete. Only four hearings have concluded, while others are pending or delayed due to requests for more time.

Hyderabad: With just two days left for the Supreme Court’s deadline to end, the disqualification proceedings against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress appear unlikely to be completed on time. Despite the apex court’s directive, the process has barely moved forward, prompting the Speaker’s office to explore seeking an extension.

Of the 10 defected MLAs, hearings have been completed only for Gudem Mahipal Reddy, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy, Kale Yadaiah and T Prakash Goud. Four other MLAs, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, K Sanjay Kumar, Arekapudi Gandhi and Tellam Venkat Rao, are yet to begin arguments. Senior MLAs Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari have reportedly sought more time to respond, further delaying the process.

---

The BRS has presented all evidence demanding immediate disqualification of the turncoat MLAs. However, the delay in the proceedings has raised suspicions that the Congress government is deliberately dragging the case to protect the turncoat legislators.

Sources said the Speaker was likely to approach the Supreme Court seeking a short extension to complete hearings within the next month or two. “The remaining petitions might be taken up after the Jubilee Hills bypoll,” an official source said.