Starting Monday, the Telangana State Legislature will implement stringent movement restrictions on its premises for a week, running until October 6. These measures are being put in place as the state prepares for significant hearings concerning disqualification petitions filed against several BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) MLAs. These legislators are accused of shifting their loyalties to the Congress, a move that has triggered this high-stakes political process.
Speaker G. Prasad Kumar has officially scheduled these disqualification hearings. On the first day, each of the four initial MLAs will be granted one hour to present their case. This group includes T. Prakash Goud from the Rajendranagar Assembly constituency, Kale Yadaiah representing Chevella, Gudem Mahipal Reddy from Patancheru, and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy of Gadwal.
First Phase of Hearings to Intensify on October 1
The proceedings are being conducted by the Tribunal under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Legal representatives for the MLAs will formally present their arguments before the Speaker. The first phase of these hearings will extend to October 1, which will feature the cross-examination of the MLAs in the Speaker’s presence. Anticipate heated exchanges and rigorous questioning between the legal teams engaged by the BRS and those defending the accused legislators during this critical cross-examination phase.
A second batch of MLAs, namely Arekapudi Gandhi, Tellam Venkat Rao, Sanjay Kumar, and Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, are scheduled for hearings in a subsequent phase. The exact dates for their appearances are expected to be communicated by the Secretariat following the conclusion of the initial phase.
All eight MLAs under scrutiny have already submitted their initial explanations regarding the disqualification petitions to the Speaker. The upcoming arguments will largely build upon these submitted statements, elaborating on their positions.
Adding an intriguing element to the ongoing political drama, two MLAs, Kadiyam Srihari and Danam Nagender, have yet to submit their explanations to Mr. Prasad Kumar. All eyes are now on the Chair’s decision concerning these two legislators. Meanwhile, those legislators who are preparing to defend their stances are reportedly in close consultation with legal experts, meticulously strategizing to anticipate the types of questions they will face before the Tribunal.
Stringent Restrictions to Ensure Orderly Proceedings
In a detailed bulletin issued on Sunday, the Legislature Secretariat outlined strict rules governing access to the premises. Visitors, including members of the media, will not be allowed inside the Legislature buildings for the duration of the hearings. Furthermore, press briefings by MLAs or any other individuals will be strictly prohibited within the Legislature grounds. Even former MLCs, ex-MLAs, and former MPs will be denied entry, with access limited only to current MLAs and MLCs, who will be permitted up to their respective legislature party offices.
The bulletin also issued a stern warning to petitioners, respondents, and their legal counsel appearing before the Tribunal: mobile phones are strictly forbidden within the court hall. Any individual found attempting to record the proceedings, or taking photos and videos, will have their electronic devices confiscated immediately, and the involved advocate will face exclusion from further participation in the proceedings.