Hyderabad: The Telangana MLA defection issue drew fresh attention as inquiries involving several legislators entered a crucial stage. Eight MLAs who won on BRS tickets and later joined the Congress already completed their hearings. However, the cases of Kadiyam Srihari and D. Nagender turned more tense today.
Khairatabad MLA D. Nagender met Legislative Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu, and the meeting gained importance because Nagender held discussions with AICC leaders and legal experts in Delhi the previous day. Consequently, political circles debated the decision he might take. Sources indicated that Nagender asked AICC leaders to assure him of a ticket if a forced resignation became unavoidable. He reportedly discussed the same demand with Minister Sridhar Babu during today’s meeting.
Deadline pressure in Telangana MLA defection inquiry
The Speaker issued notices to Kadiyam Srihari and D. Nagender, instructing them to submit their replies in affidavit form by November 23. This deadline will expire tomorrow. Since Srihari sought more time, speculation grew that Nagender might also request an extension in the same manner. Moreover, reports suggested that Nagender told close associates that resigning and contesting a bypoll could be better than facing a lengthy defection inquiry. Therefore, observers are waiting to see the next step he will take.