In a significant development for Telangana politics, Hyderabad Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar has scheduled a crucial hearing for December 30 regarding the disqualification petition against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender. This decision comes after the Supreme Court issued a stern directive, giving the speaker a two-week deadline to resolve petitions involving two BRS legislators.
Supreme Court's Final Warning Spurs Action
The apex court's order, described as a final warning to the speaker, specifically addresses petitions concerning two BRS MLAs who are part of a larger group of ten legislators accused of defecting to the Congress party. The court's intervention has accelerated the judicial process, compelling the speaker to adhere to a strict timeline for these politically sensitive cases.
Details of the Upcoming Proceedings
During the December 30 hearing, Speaker G Prasad Kumar will examine two separate petitions. The first was filed by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, while the second came from BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy. The proceedings will involve recording evidence from all concerned parties, making this a comprehensive legal examination of the allegations against Nagender.
Interestingly, Danam Nagender stands out as the only MLA among those named who requested additional time to respond to the speaker's notices regarding the disqualification pleas. This delay has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious political situation.
Nagender's Political Journey and Public Statements
Danam Nagender's political trajectory has been particularly noteworthy. Originally elected on a BRS ticket from Khairatabad in the 2023 assembly elections, he later contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Secunderabad as a Congress candidate. This shift in party affiliation forms the core of the disqualification allegations against him.
On multiple occasions, Nagender has made public statements indicating his willingness to resign and contest any ensuing by-election if requested to do so by the Congress party or Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. These declarations have kept political observers closely watching how the speaker will interpret such statements within the legal framework of anti-defection laws.
Status of Other Disqualification Petitions
The speaker has already disposed of disqualification petitions against eight of the ten MLAs originally accused of defection. Those cleared include:
- Tellam Venkat Rao (Bhadrachalam)
- Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy (Gadwal)
- T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar)
- Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru)
- Arekapudi Gandhi (Serilingampally)
- M Sanjay Kumar (Jagtial)
- Kale Yadaiah (Chevella)
- Pocharam Srinivas Reddy (Banswada)
In each of these cases, the speaker determined there was insufficient material evidence to establish defection to other political parties, allowing these legislators to continue their terms without disruption.
Remaining Petition Against Kadiyam Srihari
Currently, only one additional disqualification petition remains pending beyond Nagender's case. This involves Kadiyam Srihari, the MLA from Station Ghanpur. Srihari has maintained that he has not switched loyalties to the Congress and continues to identify as a BRS member, presenting a different factual scenario from Nagender's situation.
Legal Journey to the Supreme Court
The disqualification petitions were initially filed last year by several BRS MLAs, including prominent names such as KP Vivekananda, Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Kalvakuntla Sanjay, Chinta Prabhakar, Kaushik Reddy, and G Jagadish Reddy. When no decisive action was taken initially, the BRS first approached the High Court before eventually moving the Supreme Court, which has now established the current timeline for resolution.
This entire episode highlights the ongoing political realignments in Telangana following the 2023 assembly elections and subsequent Lok Sabha polls. The speaker's December 30 decision will not only determine Nagender's political future but could also set important precedents for how anti-defection laws are interpreted and enforced in the state's evolving political landscape.
