Tensions simmer in Telangana’s legislative corridors ahead of January 30, when Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar hears the disqualification case against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender. The 2023 BRS victor stands accused of gravitating to Congress, prompting BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy’s petition.
Both parties have been summoned, alongside a parallel hearing on BJP leader A. Maheshwar Reddy’s filing. Nagender counters with an affidavit seeking dismissal, affirming no BRS exit or suspension, and clarifying his 2024 Congress event presence as unofficial.
The Speaker’s track record shows rejection of seven out of ten 2024 defection claims against BRS MLAs, due to unproven Congress induction and ongoing BRS affiliation on paper.
Eight prior cases saw orders reserved post-hearings; Sanjay Kumar awaits judgment. Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari dodged earlier notices, delaying their matters.
BRS paints a picture of defection: Congress benches occupied, Nagender’s Secunderabad Lok Sabha run under Congress banner, Srihari backing daughter Kavya’s Warangal Congress campaign. Defended as constituency work with CM Revanth Reddy, the MLAs deny party switch.
As hearings loom, this could test anti-defection laws’ robustness, potentially altering seat counts and party strategies in the Telangana Assembly.