Hyderabad: Political suspense prevailed across Telangana on Friday as the Supreme Court is set to decide today on the Telangana MLA defection cases, which have triggered a major political controversy in the state.
The hearing gained importance after Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar gave a clean chit to seven MLAs accused of defection. The Speaker argued that merely meeting the Chief Minister did not amount to switching parties. He said the complaints failed to establish defection. The Supreme Court is expected to decide today whether to accept this reasoning or order a full-fledged inquiry in the matter.
If the apex court upholds the Speaker’s decision in the Telangana MLA defection cases, the accused MLAs will escape disqualification. Such a ruling would end the legal challenge against them. However, if the court rejects the Speaker’s findings, it could create political trouble. The ruling Congress government could also face pressure, according to political observers.
Speaker decisions and pending complaints
Petitioners filed complaints against 10 MLAs in the Telangana MLA defection cases. Earlier, the Speaker recognised Arikepudi Gandhi, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, Bandla Krishna Mohan, Prakash Goud and Tellam Venkata Rao as BRS MLAs. He later cleared them of defection charges. On Thursday, the Speaker also cleared Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Kaleyadaiah of similar allegations.
The Speaker has not yet decided the complaints against MLAs Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari. In the case of Jagtial MLA Sanjay, the Speaker completed the hearing earlier and reserved the verdict.
The deadline earlier fixed by the Supreme Court for deciding the Telangana MLA defection cases has expired. During the previous hearing, the bench warned that it may step in and pass orders if the Speaker failed to act within the given time.
Against this backdrop, the Speaker’s decision to clear two MLAs a day before the hearing drew sharp attention. The BRS strongly opposed the Speaker’s rulings. As a result, uncertainty continues over how the Supreme Court will rule in the Telangana MLA defection cases, keeping political circles on edge.