A pivotal hearing has begun regarding the petitions seeking the disqualification of ten Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). These petitions allege that the MLAs defected to the ruling Congress party, and the initial day of proceedings was reportedly marked by intense and spirited arguments from both sides.
The hearing, presided over by Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar in his chambers on Monday, saw advocates representing four of the accused MLAs — T. Prakash Goud, Kale Yadaiah, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy. They engaged in cross-examination with the legal representatives of the petitioners, BRS leaders K. Sanjay, Chinta Prabhakar, and Palla Rajeshwari Reddy.
These disqualification pleas stem from the BRS leadership’s contention that several of its legislators joined the Congress after successfully winning their seats on a BRS ticket. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the Speaker had initially summoned these four legislators to present their arguments and initiate the necessary proceedings.
While eight of the ten implicated MLAs have already submitted their explanations to the Speaker, two notable individuals, Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari, have yet to respond to the official communications. In response to the legislators’ submissions, the BRS leadership is understood to have presented comprehensive documentary and video evidence to bolster their claims of defection.
The current phase of hearings for these four legislators is slated to continue for an additional three days. Subsequently, Speaker Prasad Kumar is expected to announce further dates for the petitions concerning four more MLAs. All eyes will now be on the Speaker to see what decisive action he will take, particularly concerning the unresponsive Mr. Nagender and Mr. Srihari.