Speaker to begin final hearings on BRS MLAs’ disqualification cases from October 24
Hyderabad: The issue of defections, now central to Telangana politics, has entered its final stage. Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar will begin the last round of hearings on the BRS MLAs disqualification cases from October 24 under the anti-defection law.
Hearings to resume amid security restrictions
Strict restrictions will be in force around the Assembly during the hearings. The Speaker has already cross-examined four BRS legislators, and he plans to conclude the remaining cases this week.
Ten MLAs who won on BRS tickets in the 2023 elections later joined the ruling Congress, prompting disqualification petitions. BRS legislators Kalvakuntla Sanjay, Chinta Prabhakar, and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy filed complaints against them, seeking immediate action.
The Speaker launched the inquiry on September 29 and completed the first phase by October 1. Four MLAs — T. Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Kale Yadaiah (Chevella), Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru), and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy (Gadwal) — appeared before him for cross-examination.
BRS legislators defend loyalty to party
Each MLA appeared with legal counsel and asserted that they continued to remain with the BRS. Petitioners, however, presented affidavits, photographs, and video clips to support their charge of defection.
The Speaker will hear oral arguments in the remaining four cases from October 24. Both petitioners and respondents will present their final submissions before the Assembly Secretariat.
Schedule of final hearings on October 24
- 11:00 a.m. – Kalvakuntla Sanjay vs T. Prakash Goud
- 12:00 p.m. – Chinta Prabhakar vs Kale Yadaiah
- 2:00 p.m. – Chinta Prabhakar vs Gudem Mahipal Reddy
- 3:00 p.m. – Palla Rajeshwar Reddy vs Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy
To ensure order during the hearings, the Assembly Secretariat will enforce security measures from October 24 to 31.