Kishan Reddy criticises Speaker over dismissal of disqualification petitions

Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy criticised the Telangana Assembly Speaker over the handling of disqualification petitions, alleging that the Congress government in the state was undermining democratic values.

He reacted to Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissing the disqualification petitions filed against MLAs Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari. According to Kishan Reddy, granting them a “clean chit” disregards the people’s mandate.

Disqualification petitions trigger political criticism

Kishan Reddy alleged that both the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi followed similar practices on defections. In his view, there is no difference between the two parties on this issue.

He questioned why the Speaker ignored what he called clear evidence that an MLA elected on the BRS symbol later changed political allegiance and contested the parliamentary election on a Congress ticket.

Kishan Reddy said the Speaker should prevent defections instead of legitimising them. He described the decision as a dark chapter in democratic history.

The Union Minister also accused the ruling party of misusing constitutional institutions. According to him, political leaders now treat the people’s verdict like a commodity for positions and power.

Kishan Reddy added that the people of Telangana are closely watching these developments. He warned that those who mock the Constitution and the democratic mandate will ultimately face public accountability.