Hyderabad: Political suspense prevailed across the state on Friday as the Supreme Court was set to deliver its decision in the Telangana MLA defection cases, a dispute that has triggered sharp political controversy.
The hearing assumed significance 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 also said the complaints failed to establish defection under the law. Now, the apex court must decide whether to accept this reasoning or order a detailed inquiry.
If the court upholds the Speaker’s decision in the Telangana MLA defection cases, the accused legislators will avoid disqualification. Consequently, the legal challenge against them will end. However, if the court overturns the ruling, the matter could reopen. Such an outcome may also put the ruling Congress government under political pressure, observers said.
The issue gained urgency because the deadline earlier fixed by the Supreme Court for deciding the cases has already expired. During a previous hearing, the bench warned that it could intervene if the Speaker failed to act within the stipulated time.
Telangana MLA defection cases: Speaker orders 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. Later, he cleared them of defection charges. On Thursday, he also dismissed similar allegations against Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Kaleyadaiah.
However, the Speaker has not yet ruled on complaints against Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari. In the case of Jagtial MLA Sanjay, the Speaker completed the hearing earlier and reserved the verdict.
Against this backdrop, the Speaker’s decision to clear two MLAs just a day before the Supreme Court hearing drew sharp attention. The BRS strongly opposed the rulings. As a result, uncertainty continues over how the apex court will rule in the Telangana MLA defection cases, keeping political circles on edge.
