Hyderabad: BJP state president N Ramchander Rao on Thursday welcomed the Danam Nagender verdict and targeted the Congress over political defections. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court judgment disqualifying MLA Danam Nagender. Reacting to the decision, Rao described the judgment as a victory for democracy and constitutional principles.
He said the Supreme Court ruling showed that everyone must abide by the Constitution. Moreover, he credited the BJP Legislative Party’s legal battle for the outcome. Rao said the BJP had pursued the case to protect democratic principles. He also accused the Congress of encouraging political defections.
According to Rao, the judgment sent a message against lawmakers switching parties after winning elections. He said the BJP would intensify its legal and political campaign against such defections.
Danam Nagender verdict prompts BJP demand for by-elections
Rao also targeted Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over the implementation of the anti-defection law. He alleged that the Chief Minister had encouraged defections instead of enforcing the law. In addition, Rao accused the Congress of attempting to use the Assembly Speaker’s office to protect defecting legislators.
Following the Danam Nagender verdict, the BJP demanded resignations from other legislators who had moved to the Congress. Rao called for fresh by-elections in their constituencies. He said the legislators should face voters again after changing their political affiliation.
Meanwhile, Rao criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his campaign on constitutional issues. He referred to the Congress decision to field Nagender in the Lok Sabha election after his election as an MLA on another party’s ticket.
Rao alleged that this contradicted the Congress leadership’s stated position on protecting the Constitution.