Telangana Speaker to deliver verdict on BRS defection pleas amid Supreme Court deadline pressure

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar will deliver his verdict on disqualification petitions against five BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress, a day before the Supreme Court’s deadline, amid warnings of contempt for delays.

Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar will pronounce his verdict at around 3.30 pm on Wednesday on disqualification petitions against MLAs who defected to the Congress after being elected on the BRS symbol.

In the first phase, the Speaker will announce a decision on petitions involving MLAs Tellam Venkat Rao, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy, Prakash Goud, Gudem Mahipal Reddy and Arekapudi Gandhi.

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The move comes a day ahead of the expiry of the four-week deadline set by the Supreme Court, which has repeatedly pulled up the Speaker for inordinate delay and warned of contempt proceedings if a decision is not taken by Thursday. The apex court had earlier fixed a three-month deadline ending October 21, which was ignored, prompting sharp observations against the Speaker.

Following the Speaker’s inaction on its disqualification petitions, BRS had approached the Supreme Court alleging that no inquiry was conducted into the defection of ten MLAs. Sources in Congress said the Speaker may rule that there is insufficient evidence to declare the five MLAs as defectors, while seeking additional time from the court to decide on the remaining petitions. In such case, the BRS is exploring legal options to produce evidence which was presented to the Speaker, in the Supreme Court and ensure disqualification of turncoat MLAs.

While notices were issued to ten MLAs, only eight have responded so far. With Kadiam Srihari seeking more time and Danam Nagender yet to reply, the Supreme Court hearing on Thursday is expected to play key role in deciding their fate.