In a high-stakes decision that has sent ripples through Telangana’s political circles, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Wednesday dismissed disqualification petitions against five MLAs who had crossed over from the BRS to the Congress. The ruling provides a significant “technical victory” to MLAs Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, Tellam Venkat Rao, Arekapudi Gandhi, Prakash Goud, and Gudem Mahipal Reddy, allowing them to retain their seats despite their visible shift in allegiance.
The Missing “Concrete Proof”
The core reason behind the Speaker’s refusal to disqualify these leaders was a reported lack of “specific evidence.” Under the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule), a legislator can be disqualified if they “voluntarily give up” membership of their original party. While these five MLAs have been seen at Congress events and meetings with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Speaker ruled that the petitioners leaders from BRS and BJP failed to provide documentary proof that a formal resignation or official party switch occurred.
In their defense, the MLAs argued that they only met the Chief Minister to discuss development issues in their respective constituencies. By avoiding official signatures on Congress membership registers, these leaders managed to stay within a “grey area” of the law. Consequently, the Speaker concluded that, technically and legally, they remain members of the BRS.
The Pressure from Above
This verdict did not come easily. The Speaker had been under immense pressure from the Supreme Court, which recently warned of “gross contempt” regarding the delay in these proceedings. The Apex Court had set a firm deadline, emphasizing that the Speaker acts as a “tribunal” and cannot sit on such petitions indefinitely.
To meet this deadline, the Speaker expedited the hearings over the last few weeks, conducting examinations and cross-examinations of the evidence. While the BRS submitted video clips and media reports to prove the defection, the Speaker maintained that such materials did not meet the rigorous legal standard required to strip a democratically elected representative of their post.
The Road Ahead: Danam and Kadiyam
While five MLAs have secured a lease of life, the battle is not over. The Speaker’s office clarified that the cases of two other prominent defectors Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari are still pending. These two leaders have sought more time to respond to the notices issued to them. Unlike the others, Danam Nagender even contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket while still holding his BRS MLA seat, making his case legally more complex.
Political Consequences
For the BRS, this ruling is a major disappointment. The party had hoped for disqualifications that would lead to by-elections, potentially testing the ruling government’s popularity. Instead, they now face a situation where their former members continue to sit on the treasury benches while technically being counted as BRS legislators.
The BRS is expected to challenge this “technical” interpretation in the High Court or Supreme Court, arguing that the spirit of the Constitution is being undermined by procedural formalities.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
