Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has reserved its decision on petitions seeking the disqualification of three MLAs—Bhadrachalam MLA Venkata Rao Tellam, Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari, and Khairtabad MLA Danam Nagender—who defected from the BRS party to join the Indian National Congress. The petitions were filed by BRS MLAs Kuna Pandu Vivekananda, Padi Kaushik Reddy, and BJP MLA Alleti Maheshwar Reddy, challenging the inaction of the Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker in addressing the disqualification requests.

Here is a list of the MLAs involved in the disqualification petitions:

Venkata Rao Tellam – Bhadrachalam MLA (defected from BRS to Indian National Congress)
Kadiyam Srihari – Station Ghanpur MLA (defected from BRS to Indian National Congress)
Danam Nagender – Khairtabad MLA (defected from BRS to Indian National Congress)

During a month-long hearing, the court examined constitutional issues, including the authority of the judiciary to direct the Speaker under the X Schedule of the Constitution. Petitioners’ counsels argued that the prolonged delay in deciding the disqualification cases benefits the ruling party, potentially allowing more MLAs to be lured away. The respondents’ counsels countered that a writ of mandamus cannot be issued against the Speaker, and that the court lacks jurisdiction to intervene. The court has now reserved its orders on the matter.

Additionally, a two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court issued notices to the state’s Industries and Commerce Department and the Director of Mines and Geology concerning alleged violations of the Telangana Minor Mineral Concession Rule, 1966. The petitioners argued that recent amendments to the rules are arbitrary and violate the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957. The court has admitted the case and scheduled further hearings for the coming weeks.

Earlier… 10th BRS Patancheru MLA G Mahipal Reddy Joins Congress

Hyderabad: Summary: Patancheru MLA G. Mahipal Reddy has switched allegiance from BRS to Congress, becoming the 10th MLA to do so. This move increases Congress’ tally to 74 legislators in Telangana. Gali Anil Kumar, a former TPCC vice-president who previously joined BRS but returned to Congress, also joined alongside Mahipal Reddy. The switch was formalized in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy welcomed them into the party. Despite speculation of joining another party, Mahipal Reddy opted for Congress. Anil Kumar, previously hoping for a Congress ticket from Narsapur but denied, unsuccessfully contested with BRS and later in the Lok Sabha elections from Zaheerabad.

Earlier… 9th BRS MLA Arekapudi Gandhi Joins Congress in Telangana

Hyderabad: BRS MLA Arekapudi Gandhi from Serilingampally has joined the Congress party, marking the ninth opposition legislator to switch to the ruling party.

Key Details:

Defection: Arekapudi Gandhi, along with BRS corporators Nagender Yadav, Uppalapati Srikanth, Manjula Raghunath Reddy, and Narne Srinivas, defected to the Congress.
Welcome Ceremony: Gandhi and the corporators were welcomed into the Congress by Chief Minister and PCC president A Revanth Reddy.
Political Impact: This defection boosts the Congress party’s strength and influence in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad.

Conclusion: The joining of Arekapudi Gandhi and other BRS corporators to the Congress signifies a notable shift in Telangana’s political landscape, enhancing the ruling party’s position ahead of upcoming political contests.

9th #BRS MLA #ArekapudiGandhi Joins #Congress in #Telangana
Read details here… https://t.co/hk6aVWXBXW pic.twitter.com/2GyjV9e08N
— Hyderabad Post (@TheHydPost) July 13, 2024

Earlier Yesterday in Hyderabad Danam Nagender stated that the BRS Legislative Party would soon be merged into the Congress party, highlighting that many MLAs are expected to switch allegiance. He emphasized the greater freedom within the Congress party, which allows MLAs to directly engage with the Chief Minister and other ministers to secure funds and approvals for various projects—something he claimed was restricted in the BRS government.

Nagender also mentioned that six more BRS MLAs are anticipated to join Congress shortly. Addressing the BRS party’s appeal for invoking the anti-defection law against him, Nagender declared his intent to seek justice in court, suggesting that BRS should focus on its survival first. He predicted that only a few MLAs would remain with BRS, with the majority transitioning to Congress soon.

Earlier… Six BRS MLCs Joins Ruling Congress in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has experienced a significant setback with six of its Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) defecting to the Indian National Congress (INC) in a late-night operation.

The defecting MLCs are as follows:

Bhanu Prasad,
Baswaraj Saraiah,
Sandeep Vittal,
MS Prabhakar,
Yegge Mallesham, and
Boggarapu Dayanand.

Their defection took place at around 1 am on Friday, when they were formally inducted into the Congress by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and AICC Telangana in-charge Deepadas Munshi.

The sequence of events began with the MLCs meeting at a hotel around 11:30 pm. Following the Chief Minister’s return from New Delhi, they proceeded to his residence in Jubilee Hills, where Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and other Congress leaders welcomed them, completing their formal entry into the Congress.

This defection follows previous defections from BRS to the Congress, including prominent BRS MLAs such as …

Danam Nagender,
Kadiyam Srihari,
Tellam Venkat Rao,
Pocharam Srinivas Reddy,
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, and
Kale Yadaiah.

This series of defections marks a troubling trend for the BRS, indicating potential instability within the party and a strengthening position for the Congress in Telangana.

Defection Impact: The defection of six MLCs (Members of the Legislative Council) could potentially alter the power dynamics within the state legislative council. This may weaken the position of BRS and strengthen the Congress.
Political Strategy: Such defections often happen due to strategic planning and negotiations. Midnight operations suggest a deliberate attempt to avoid immediate public and media scrutiny, possibly to prevent countermeasures from the BRS leadership.
Motivations for Defection: The motivations behind the defections could range from ideological differences, dissatisfaction with the party leadership, personal political ambitions, or promises of better positions or prospects within the Congress party.
Immediate Reactions: Both parties’ responses will be crucial. The BRS might accuse the Congress of poaching, while the Congress will likely celebrate the acquisition as a sign of increasing support and strength.
Legal and Procedural Aspects: In the Indian political system, defections are governed by the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The legality of the defections and whether these MLCs face disqualification will be important to watch.
Impact on Upcoming Elections: If there are upcoming elections, this defection could influence voter perceptions and the overall electoral landscape. It might also lead to a reshuffling of candidates and campaign strategies.

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